Zimbabwe vs Ireland t20 match

• The first match of the double header was a cracker and we will now shift our focus to the two associates in the group. Change tabs as UAE and Netherlands lock horns in the second match of the day in a while. For now, cheers and bye..
• Taylor: 'Felt we were 20 runs short, the guys fought hard. Always backed ourselves to defend the total, but they started off really well. Panyangara brought us back into the game though. I thought I could make a direct hit (on the last ball), unfortunately, I missed the stumps. We need to do much better in our next two games.'
• Porterfield: 'I am happy with the end result, but we should have never made it tough on ourselves. Happy with the way the spinners pulled things back, it was a pretty good wicket. We knew how important this match was, we want to do even better in the next match and try and make it two wins in a row.'
• Stirling: 'We had to get to a good start. We had good partnerships up front. You got to play your natural game and be aggressive. Just happy that we got over the line. We have played in Bangladesh in recent times, we knew we have to be ready for all sorts of conditions. Wasn't watching the game towards the final stages. We knew how important this game was. Waiting for the other games now.'
• Paul Stirling is the Man of the Match for his knock of 60 
• The openers started off brightly, particularly Paul Stirling, who notched up his 5th T20I fifty. At the halfway stage, they were cruising towards victory. Panyangara went for 18 runs in his first over, but led the fightback for his team with crucial wickets. Kevin O'Brien all but sealed victory with a short cameo, but Zimbabwe never gave up. They needed to defend only 7 runs from the last two overs and ended up nearly doing it. Will this loss cost Zimbabwe? We will get to know in a few days time.
• A cracking finish to the game. Ireland will feel they should have never taken the game to the last ball, Taylor and Zimbabwe will rue the missed run-out chance that would have taken the game to a super-over, but in the end Ireland have just about managed to scrape home.
• 19.6 Panyangara to Cusack, byes, 1 run, collision between the non-striker and the fielder, but Ireland have won, this was full and just outside off, Cusack swung hard and missed, the batsmen run for the single. Brendan Taylor has a shy at the striker's end and misses, Thompson collides with the fielder as he looks to complete the single, but both batsmen make their end
• Everyone are inside the ring now
• 19.5 Panyangara to S Thompson, 1 run, low full toss from Panyangara, Thompson looks to drive and gets a thick edge towards third man, they decide against a second run, scores are level now
• Alex Cusack, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 19.4 Panyangara to Sorensen, out Sorensen Run Out!! Another Irish wicket falls. This was a low full toss from Panyangara, Sorensen drives it towards mid-off and scampers for a quick single, Williams rushes in from mid-off and makes a direct hit at the bowler's end, no chance for the batsman. 2 needed from 2 balls now. Sorensen run out (Sean Williams) 0(1)
• Panyangara to Sorensen, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!
• Max Sorensen, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 19.3 Panyangara to Ed Joyce, out Bowled!! Is there a twist in the tale? A superb inswinging yorker, right on the base of leg stump, Joyce fails to dig it out, the ball kisses the leg stump on its way to the boundary. Ireland have lost their main man, but they are just 2 runs away. Ed Joyce b Panyangara 22(28)
• Panyangara to Ed Joyce, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!
• 19.2 Panyangara to S Thompson, 1 run, low full toss from Panyangara, Thompson drives it wide of mid-off where Sibanda puts in a despairing dive to save the boundary
• 19.1 Panyangara to Ed Joyce, 1 run, Panyangara keeps it full and on Joyce's pads, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single
• 18.6 Chatara to S Thompson, no run, full and on Thompson's pads, he looks to flick and misses, the ball goes off the pads and rolls away towards point
• 18.5 Chatara to Ed Joyce, 1 run, another slower ball from Chatara, Joyce has to wait on it as he pulls it behind square for a single
• 18.4 Chatara to S Thompson, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, Thompson was late on the cut, the ball rolls in front of point, Ed Joyce calls for a quick single and Thompson has to hurry to make his ground
• 18.3 Chatara to S Thompson, no run, the slower ball from Chatara, angles across Thompson. He went for a big swing and misses
• 18.2 Chatara to S Thompson, no run, on a good length and on off, defended towards cover
• 18.1 Chatara to Ed Joyce, 1 run, short of a length and well outside off, driven towards deep cover for a single
• Tendai Chatara [3.0-0-17-1] is back into the attack
• Stuart Thompson, left handed bat, comes to the crease
• 17.6 Panyangara to K O'Brien, out Caught by Sean Williams!! Panyangara has the wicket, but is it too late? This was full and on off, O'Brien was looking to go over extra cover, the bat turned in his hands and he ends up ofering a simple catch to Williams at long off. K O'Brien c Sean Williams b Panyangara 17(10) [4s-2 6s-1]
• Panyangara to K O'Brien, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• 17.5 Panyangara to K O'Brien, FOUR, more runs for K O'Brien, this was the attempted yorker, turns into a low full toss, O'Brien swings hard and gets an inside edge past short fine for a boundary
• 17.4 Panyangara to Ed Joyce, 1 run, on a good length and on off, driven towards long off for a single
• 17.3 Panyangara to K O'Brien, 1 run, Panyangara keeps it full and on the stumps, thumped back past the bowler for a single to long on
• 17.2 Panyangara to K O'Brien, FOUR, O'Brien is leading Ireland to victory, this was full and on off, O'Brien gets under the ball and scoops it over extra cover for a boundary
• 17.1 Panyangara to K O'Brien, SIX, that is a much needed blow from O'Brien, length ball from Panyangara, O'Brien gets forward and thumps it high and towards deep mid-wicket, kept the fielder interested all along before just going over him
• Tinashe Panyangara [2.0-1-18-2] is back into the attack
• 16.6 Sean Williams to Ed Joyce, 2 runs, Williams drops one short and on the stumps, Joyce makes room and cuts it wide of extra cover for a brace, still a very good over, just 4 came from it
• 16.5 Sean Williams to Ed Joyce, no run, Williams fires one full and on the stumps, Joyce backs away and drives it back at the bowler
• 16.4 Sean Williams to K O'Brien, leg byes, 1 run, Williams fires one full and on O'Brien's pads, he looks to sweep and misses, sneaks in a leg bye
• 16.3 Sean Williams to K O'Brien, no run, Williams drops one short and on the stumps, O'Brien makes room and cuts it straight to the fielder at cover
• 16.2 Sean Williams to K O'Brien, no run, flighted delivery and on the pads, clipped straight to the fielder at mid-wicket
• 16.1 Sean Williams to Ed Joyce, leg byes, 1 run, that was close! Joyce came down the track to a well flighted delivery and missed his hoick, the ball deflected off the pads and rolled away behind point. K O'Brien called him through for a quick single, Joyce was late in responding and was a goner had there been a direct hit at the bowler's end
• Sean Williams [3.0-0-25-1] is back into the attack
• 15.6 Utseya to Ed Joyce, 1 run, tossed up and on off, Joyce comes down the track and drives it to long on
• 15.5 Utseya to Ed Joyce, 2 runs, flatter and outside off, Joyce makes room and cuts it behind point for a brace
• 15.4 Utseya to K O'Brien, 1 run, Utseya tosses one on off, eased towards long on for a single
• 15.3 Utseya to Ed Joyce, 1 run, Joyce comes down the track to a well tossed up ball and drives it to long on for a single
• 15.2 Utseya to K O'Brien, 1 run, flighted and well outside off, O'Brien gets a long way across and paddles it towards fine leg for a single
• 15.2 Utseya to K O'Brien, wide, Utseya gets this one to spin down leg, wide called
• 15.1 Utseya to Ed Joyce, 1 run, tossed up and well outside off, Joyce makes room and cuts it square on the off-side for a single
• Prosper Utseya [3.0-0-30-0] is back into the attack
• Kevin O'Brien, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 14.6 Panyangara to G Wilson, out Caught by H Masakadza!! Sharp catch from Masakadza at 1st slip, Zimbabwe are fighting back here. This was pitched up and shapes away slightly, Wilson poked away from his body, gets a thick edge that is well held at 1st slip. G Wilson c H Masakadza b Panyangara 0(2)
• Panyangara to G Wilson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• 14.5 Panyangara to G Wilson, no run, on a good length and a hint of shape away, Wilson pokes away from his body and misses
• Gary Wilson, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 14.4 Panyangara to A Poynter, out Caught by Chigumbura!! A handy wicket for Panyangara, this was full and on the stumps, Poynter got his bat down in time, the ball goes off the inner half of the bat and is well taken by Chigumbura diving forward at mid-wicket. The two umpires confer with each other, replays are clear and Poynter has to walk back to the hut. A Poynter c Chigumbura b Panyangara 23(15) [4s-3]
• Panyangara to A Poynter, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• Zimbabwe have appealed for a catch. Is it a bump ball? No, Poynter is OUT
• 14.3 Panyangara to Ed Joyce, leg byes, 1 run, the inswinging yorker from Panyangara, Joyce looks to flick and misses, the ball rolls away towards the off-side
• 14.2 Panyangara to Ed Joyce, no run, good change of pace from Panyangara, hurries onto Joyce, he looks to cut and misses
• 14.1 Panyangara to Ed Joyce, no run, full and outside off, Joyce looks to drive and misses
• Tinashe Panyangara [1.0-0-18-0] is back into the attack
• 13.6 H Masakadza to A Poynter, FOUR, lovely shot, this was nothing more than a short arm jab from Poynter, short and on the stumps, Poynter bisects the two fielders in the deep to a nicety for another boundary
• 13.5 H Masakadza to Ed Joyce, 1 run, Masakadza shortens his length on off, Joyce runs it towards short third man for a single
• 13.4 H Masakadza to A Poynter, 1 run, Masakadza keeps it full and outside off, driven towards long on for a single
• 13.3 H Masakadza to Ed Joyce, 1 run, full and wide from Masakadza, crashed towards deep cover for a single
• 13.2 H Masakadza to Ed Joyce, no run, the slower ball from Masakadza, Joyce mistimes the drive back towards the bowler
• 13.1 H Masakadza to A Poynter, 1 run, on a good length and well outside off, driven square past cover for a single
• Hamilton Masakadza [1.0-0-12-0] is back into the attack
• 12.6 Kamungozi to A Poynter, 1 run, flatter and quicker from Kamungozi, driven towards long off for a single
• 12.5 Kamungozi to A Poynter, FOUR, short, wide, four, Kamungozi drops this one very short, Poynter backs away and cuts it over point for a boundary
• 12.4 Kamungozi to Ed Joyce, 1 run, pushed through by Kamungozi, Joyce cuts it square on the off-side for a single
• 12.3 Kamungozi to A Poynter, 1 run, floated on off, Poynter gets well forward and drives it to long on for a single
• 12.2 Kamungozi to A Poynter, 2 runs, Kamungozi drops one short and just outside off, Poynter makes room by backing away and cuts it wide of long off for a brace
• 12.1 Kamungozi to A Poynter, no run, Kamungozi drops one short and just outside off, Poynter cuts it straight to the fielder at point
• Tafadzwa Kamungozi [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack
• 11.6 Sean Williams to A Poynter, 1 run, Williams drops one short and wide outside off, Poynter makes room and cuts it square to deep point for a single
• 11.5 Sean Williams to Ed Joyce, 1 run, Williams strays one on Joyce's pads, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single
• 11.4 Sean Williams to A Poynter, 1 run, flighted delivery and on off, worked in front of point for a single
• 11.3 Sean Williams to A Poynter, FOUR, nicely done by Poynter, gets down on his knees, rolls his wrists and sweeps it powerfully past square leg for a boundary
• 11.2 Sean Williams to A Poynter, 2 runs, Poynter comes down the track to a well tossed up ball and clips it wide of mid-on. The call is for two and they get it easily, the return from the fielder hits umpire Davis on his shoulder
• 11.1 Sean Williams to A Poynter, no run, Williams drifts one on Poynter's pads, he looks to defend and is struck on the pads
• Sean Williams [2.0-0-16-1] is back into the attack
• 10.6 Chatara to Ed Joyce, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Joyce works it straight to the fielder at point
• 10.5 Chatara to A Poynter, 1 run, short and wide from Chatara, Poynter steers it down towards third man for a single
• A slip is in for Poynter
• 10.4 Chatara to Ed Joyce, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, Joyce steers it towards third man for a single
• Andrew Poynter, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 10.3 Chatara to Stirling, out Caught by S Raza!! Imperiosity gets the better of Stirling, this was pitched up by Chatara, Stirling went for the big shot back over the bowler's head, ends up getting it right off the toe end, gets plenty of height but not the distance. Raza gets underneath the skier and accepts it. A much needed wicket for Zimbabwe. Stirling c S Raza b Chatara 60(34) [4s-9 6s-1]
• Chatara to Stirling, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• 10.2 Chatara to Ed Joyce, 1 run, Chatara drops one short and on the stumps, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single
• 10.1 Chatara to Ed Joyce, no run, on a good length and angling back into the left hander, Joyce was late in bringing his bat down, but just gets enough
• Tendai Chatara [2.0-0-14-0] is back into the attack
• 9.6 Utseya to Ed Joyce, 1 run, pushed through by Utseya, Joyce eases it square past point for a single
• 9.5 Utseya to Ed Joyce, 2 runs, Utseya drops one short and well outside off, Joyce backs away and cuts it behind point for a brace
• 9.4 Utseya to Stirling, 1 run, nicley bowled by Utseya, gets this one to spin away after pitching, Stirling was looking to work it towards the on-side, gets a leading edge past the bowler
• 9.3 Utseya to Ed Joyce, 1 run, Joyce comes down the track to a well tossed up ball and drives it to long on
• 9.2 Utseya to Stirling, 1 run, Utseya shortens his length as Stirling came down the track, he checks his shot and scoops it towards long on
• 9.1 Utseya to Stirling, FOUR, lovely shot, Utseya gave this one plenty of air, Stirling makes room by backing away and goes inside out over extra cover for a boundary
• Prosper Utseya [2.0-0-20-0] is back into the attack
• 8.6 Sean Williams to Stirling, 1 run, pushed through by Williams, worked in front of mid-wicket for a single
• 8.5 Sean Williams to Stirling, SIX, fifty for Stirling , a real long hop from Williams, Stirling is quick to rock back and pulls it way over mid-wicket for a maximum, 5th T20I fifty for Stirling
• 8.4 Sean Williams to Ed Joyce, 1 run, tossed up and well outside leg, Joyce looks to sweep and gets an inside edge towards short fine
• 8.3 Sean Williams to Stirling, 1 run, flatter and on the pads, worked past mid-wicket for a single
• Ed Joyce, left handed bat, comes to the crease
• 8.2 Sean Williams to Porterfield, out Caught by Maruma!! A much needed wicket for Zimbabwe. This was drifted ever so slowly by Williams, Porterfield had to reach out for the slog sweep, does not get much power or distance behind it, a simple catch to Maruma at deep mid-wicket. The threatening start has been broken. Porterfield c Maruma b Sean Williams 31(23) [4s-3 6s-1]
• Sean Williams to Porterfield, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• 8.1 Sean Williams to Stirling, 1 run, Williams drops one short and on the stumps, Stirling rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket
• 7.6 H Masakadza to Stirling, 1 run, harsh to call it as a chance, this was full and well outside off, Stirling waits on it until the last moment, opens the face of the bat and looks to run it past the keeper, it deflects off Taylor's gloves and runs past short third man
• 7.5 H Masakadza to Stirling, 2 runs, slower ball from Masakadza, Stirling tucks it in front of mid-wicket, calls for the second run, a better throw would have had Stirling struggling, he makes it in the end as the throw is wide
• 7.4 H Masakadza to Stirling, FOUR, this is superb batting from Stirling, goes right across to a full ball and sweeps it over square leg for a boundary
• 7.3 H Masakadza to Stirling, FOUR, nicely played by Stirling, this was the slower ball from Masakadza, Stirling watches it all along, opens the face of the bat at the last moment and squeezes it behind point for a boundary
• 7.2 H Masakadza to Stirling, no run, on a good length and on off, Stirling drives it straight to the fielder at cover
• 7.1 H Masakadza to Porterfield, 1 run, slower off-cutter from Masakadza, slapped away to deep cover for a single
• Hamilton Masakadza, right-arm medium, comes into the attack
• 6.6 Sean Williams to Porterfield, 1 run, flatter and on the stumps, Porterfield rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single
• 6.5 Sean Williams to Stirling, 1 run, Williams drops this one short as Stirling came down the track, nudged towards mid-wicket for a single
• 6.4 Sean Williams to Porterfield, 1 run, pushed through by Williams, punched towards long off for a single
• 6.4 Sean Williams to Porterfield, wide, Williams sprays this one way down the leg side, wide called
• 6.3 Sean Williams to Stirling, 1 run, flighted and on off, Stirling drives it square on the off-side for a single
• 6.2 Sean Williams to Stirling, no run, slow and on off, Stirling comes down the track and drives it back at the bowler
• 6.1 Sean Williams to Porterfield, 1 run, tossed up and on off, Porterfield makes room and chips it towards long off for a single
• Sean Williams, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack
• 5.6 Panyangara to Stirling, 2 runs, another full toss from Panyangara, Stirling gets forward and thumps it over mid-wicket for a brace
• 5.5 Panyangara to Stirling, no run, Panyangara gets the yorker right finally, Stirling watches it all along and jams it out
• 5.4 Panyangara to Stirling, FOUR, streaky but four, another low full toss from Panyangara, Stirling looks to drive, is late on the shot and gets a bottom edge past the keeper for a boundary
• 5.3 Panyangara to Stirling, FOUR, this is very poor bowling from Panyangara, fires a full toss on Stirling's pads, he gets some bat on that and helps it on its way for a boundary
• The keeper is upto the stumps now
• 5.2 Panyangara to Stirling, FOUR, this is poor bowling from Panyangara, drops it short and just outside off, Stirling shimmies down the track and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary
• 5.1 Panyangara to Stirling, FOUR, this is a great start from Ireland, Stirling backs away, makes room and crashes a length ball behind point for a boundary
• Tinashe Panyangara, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
• 4.6 Chatara to Porterfield, FOUR, another slower ball from Chatara, Porterfield waits on it, crouches at the last moment, rolls his wrists and gets the pull very fine, beats short fine and races away to the fence
• 4.6 Chatara to Porterfield, wide, Chatara drifts one well down leg, wide called
• 4.5 Chatara to Stirling, leg byes, 1 run, another slower ball from Chatara, follows Stirling as he backed away, he swings and misses, sneaks in a leg bye
• 4.4 Chatara to Porterfield, 1 run, Chatara bangs one short as Porterfield came down the track, pulled away to deep square leg for a single
• 4.3 Chatara to Porterfield, no run, length ball from Chatara, Porterfield slaps it straight to extra cover
• 4.2 Chatara to Stirling, 1 run, Chatara keeps it full and on off, swung away towards fine leg, goes to the fielder on a bounce
• 4.1 Chatara to Stirling, FOUR, Chatara bangs one short and on the stumps, Stirling swivels across and pulls it behind square. Sean Williams makes a despairing dive near the ropes, pulls the ball back in but it goes back and hits the ropes
• 3.6 Utseya to Porterfield, no run, good return from Utseya, comes from round the wicket, slows down the pace, shortens the length and gets it to spin across Porterfield, defended towards the off-side
• 3.5 Utseya to Porterfield, SIX, Porterfield is looking in good touch, this was tossed up and on off, Porterfield gets a good stride forward, gets down on his knees and slog swipes it high and over mid-wicket for a maximum
• 3.4 Utseya to Stirling, 1 run, Utseya drifts one on off, eased towards long on for a single
• 3.3 Utseya to Stirling, no run, full and well outside off, Stirling gets across and looks to sweep, an appeal ensures but Stirling was struck well outside off
• 3.2 Utseya to Porterfield, 1 run, pushed through quicker by Utseya, driven towards mid-off for a single
• 3.1 Utseya to Porterfield, FOUR, lovely shot, Porterfield makes room to a well flighted delivery and goes over mid-off, just one bounce and over the ropes
• Prosper Utseya [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack
• 2.6 Chatara to Stirling, no run, Chatara shortens his length on off, Stirling prods across and defends it
• 2.5 Chatara to Porterfield, 1 run, on a good length and on the stumps, Porterfield comes down the track and drives it to the right of mid-on
• 2.4 Chatara to Porterfield, no run, the slower ball from Chatara, Porterfield watches it all along and defends it towards backward point
• 2.3 Chatara to Porterfield, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Porterfield checks his drive at the last moment and defends it towards cover
• 2.2 Chatara to Porterfield, 2 runs, length ball on the pads, Porterfield shuffles across and clips it behind square, runs hard and gets back for the second run
• 2.1 Chatara to Porterfield, no run, full and just outside off, Porterfield looks to drive it towards cover, gets an inside edge that rollsback towards the bowler
• Tendai Chatara, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
• 1.6 Kamungozi to Porterfield, 1 run, Kamungozi floats on eon off, pushed towards long on for a single
• 1.5 Kamungozi to Stirling, 1 run, Kamungozi drifts one on the pads, tucked behind square for a single
• 1.4 Kamungozi to Porterfield, 1 run, flatter and on off, Porterfield works it towards long on for a single
• 1.3 Kamungozi to Porterfield, FOUR, cracking shot, this was tossed up and on the stumps, Porterfield gets into a fine position and reverse sweeps it past point for a boundary, that went at a rate of knots
• 1.2 Kamungozi to Porterfield, no run, flighted delivery and on off, Porterfield lunges forward and defends it towards mid-off
• 1.1 Kamungozi to Stirling, 1 run, tossed up and on Stirling's pads, he shuffles across and clips it behind square for a single
• Tafadzwa Kamungozi, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack
• 0.6 Utseya to Stirling, 1 run, Utseya floats one on off, Stirling went hard on the drive, gets an inside edge past square leg for a single
• 0.5 Utseya to Porterfield, 1 run, Utseya drifts one on the pads, Porterfield works it in front of mid-wicket for a single
• 0.4 Utseya to Stirling, 1 run, pushed through by Utseya, Stirling clips it past square leg for a single
• 0.3 Utseya to Stirling, FOUR, excellent start from Stirling, this was tossed up and on off, Stirling gets a big stride forward and lofts it back over the bowler's head for a boundary
• 0.2 Utseya to Stirling, no run, flighted and on off, Stirling presses forward in defence
• 0.1 Utseya to Porterfield, 1 run, tossed up and on Porterfield's pads, nudged behind square for a single
• Porterfield and Stirling are at the crease. Porterfield is on strike. Utseya will open the attack
• Welcome back...
• Zimbabwe got off to a good start with Hamilton Masakadza and Brendon Taylor batting aggressively after the fall of Sikander Raza but the Ireland spinners, led by Andy McBrine and George Dockrell, pulled things back by taking the pace off the ball. Both bagged two wickets apiece but Taylor held one end tightly before persihing in the last few overs. His fifty, took Zimbabwe past 130 and with the help of some lusty blows from Elton Chigumbura in the final over, they got to 163, which looks very good on this surface. Ireland have a stiff task ahead now. Join us back for the run chase in a short while.
• 19.6 Cusack to Chigumbura, 1 run, hit very hard but hit straight to long-off. Anyway, the total looks good now
• 19.5 Cusack to Chigumbura, SIX, again misses the length and again perishes. He's a powerful hitter is Chigumbura, waits for the ball and smashes it high over long-off again. These are handy runs for Zimbabwe
• 19.4 Cusack to Maruma, 1 run, slower delivery wide outside off stump, Maruma didn't read it, mistimes it to long-off
• 19.3 Cusack to Chigumbura, 1 run, a good yorker outside off stump, Chigumbura squeezes it out to sweeper cover
• 19.2 Cusack to Chigumbura, SIX, can't bowl length at this stage. Full outside off stump, Chigumbura lofts it handsomely over long-off and it sails over the boundary line
• 19.1 Cusack to Chigumbura, 2 runs, goes hard at this length ball but mistimes the slog on the bounce to deep mid-wicket. Good enough for two though
• 18.6 K O'Brien to Maruma, no run, low full toss outside off stump, Maruma makes room and in the end had to reach out, guided straight to backward point. Good over from O'Brien, no boundaries in it
• 18.5 K O'Brien to Chigumbura, 1 run, yorker on the off stump, dug out to long-off
• 18.4 K O'Brien to Maruma, 1 run, swings at this really hard, goes off the inside-half of the bat, the ball rolls to deep backward square leg
• 18.3 K O'Brien to Chigumbura, 1 run, slower delivery outside off stump, Chigumbura drills it to long-on, Maruma looks for the second but sent back
• 18.2 K O'Brien to Maruma, 1 run, yorker length delivery on the leg stump, Maruma digs it out to long-on
• 18.1 K O'Brien to Maruma, 2 runs, full delivery on the leg stump, Maruma lofts it between deep mid-wicket and long-on for a couple
• Kevin O'Brien [2.0-0-20-0] is back into the attack
• 17.6 Cusack to Maruma, 1 run, backs away too much and hence coudln't connect the short of length delivery that well, the ball goes off the toe-end of the bat to long-off
• 17.5 Cusack to Maruma, SIX, he's connected that really well and it's gone all the way. The slower delivery goes very short, Maruma rocks back and muscles the pull really hard, the ball goes flat over deep square leg
• 17.4 Cusack to Chigumbura, 1 run, short of length delivery on the off stump, Chigumbura looks to slog but inside-edges it to backward square leg
• 17.3 Cusack to Chigumbura, no run, slower ball again, Chigumbura dabs it to cover
• 17.2 Cusack to Maruma, 1 run, slower delivery outside off stump, lofted on the bounce to long-on
• 17.1 Cusack to Maruma, no run, good length delivery on the leg stump, Maruma defends it back to the bowler
• Alex Cusack [2.0-0-27-1] is back into the attack
• Timycen Maruma, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 16.6 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, out Caught by Ed Joyce!! Fantastic over from Dockrell, he put pressure on the batsmen by keeping it tight and he gets a big wicket. Flighted delivery on the off stump, Taylor makes room and tries to go inside-out, lofts it high in the air and the man at sweeper cover runs to his right to take a fine catch. Anyway, Taylor has done his job, top knock that. Brendan Taylor c Ed Joyce b Dockrell 59(46) [4s-6 6s-2]
• Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• 16.5 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, no run, fires this down the leg side, Taylor inside-edges the sweep to short fine leg
• 16.4 Dockrell to Chigumbura, 1 run, tossed up on the off stump, driven down to long-off
• 16.3 Dockrell to Chigumbura, no run, tossed up on the leg stump, Chigumbura turns it to mid-wicket, Brendan Taylor sets off for a run but Chigumbura sends him back
• 16.2 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, leg byes, 1 run, tossed up outside off stump, Taylor goes for the reverse sweep and misses, the ball runs off the arm to short third man
• 16.1 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, no run, flighted delivery outside off stump, Taylor pushes it into the off-side
• 15.6 K O'Brien to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, O'Brien follows Taylor as he back away, a perfect yorker but Taylor digs out to mid-on. Expensive over from Taylor
• 15.5 K O'Brien to Brendan Taylor, FOUR, swings it across the line and the man at long-on can't stop the ball. He ran to his right but the ball bounced badly for him to make a brave attempt. The length was short and Taylor hammered that very well
• 15.4 K O'Brien to Brendan Taylor, FOUR, another slower ball and this time Taylor gently lofts it over the infield it beats long-on and long-off to perfection
• 15.3 K O'Brien to Brendan Taylor, no run, slower delivery struck on the pads, huge shout turned down by the umpire. Probably going down the leg side, only that could have saved Taylor
• 15.2 K O'Brien to Brendan Taylor, FOUR, brings up his 5th T20I fifty with a wristy whip! Full delivery on the off stump, Taylor hits it over mid-wicket and it races away
• 15.1 K O'Brien to Chigumbura, 1 run, full delivery outside off stump, Chigumbura drives it past extra-cover
• 14.6 Dockrell to Chigumbura, 1 run, flatter delivery outside off stump, Chigumbura punches it square of the wicket on the off-side and gets off the mark
• 14.5 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, shortish delivery on the leg stump, Taylor punches it to long-on
• 14.4 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, 2 runs, shortish delivery outside off stump, Taylor lofts it to deep extra-cover, a better throw at the bowler's end would have been interesting
• Elton Chigumbura, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 14.3 Dockrell to Sibanda, out Caught by Sorensen!! Shortish delivery on the leg stump, Sibanda looks to smash it out of the ground, slogs it high in the air and it goes straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. No pace on offer from the bowler and that made Sibanda's life difficult. Sibanda c Sorensen b Dockrell 16(18) [4s-1]
• Dockrell to Sibanda, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• 14.2 Dockrell to Sibanda, no run, slows the pace down nicely, Sibanda guides it straight to short third man, looks for a run but sent back
• 14.1 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, nicely floated up on the leg stump, Taylor defends it to short cover softly and Sibanda responds for a quick single
• George Dockrell [2.0-0-12-0] is back into the attack
• 13.6 K O'Brien to Sibanda, FOUR, that spoils a good over. Short of a length delivery outside off stump, Sibanda rocks back and muscles the pull over the mid-wicket fielder and it rockets to the fence
• 13.5 K O'Brien to Sibanda, no run, short of length delivery outside off stump, punched to cover. Turning out to be a great over
• 13.4 K O'Brien to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, slower delivery down the leg side, Taylor turns it to deep mid-wicket
• 13.3 K O'Brien to Brendan Taylor, no run, nice and straight on the stumps, turned to mid-wicket who makes a diving save
• 13.2 K O'Brien to Sibanda, 1 run, full delivery on the stumps, driven down to long-off
• 13.1 K O'Brien to Sibanda, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Sibanda defends it to point
• Kevin O'Brien, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
• 12.6 Andy McBrine to Brendan Taylor, 2 runs, tossed up outside off stump, Taylor slog-sweeps it in the air, the fielder at deep backward square leg runs to his left and makes a fine save
• 12.5 Andy McBrine to Brendan Taylor, no run, quicker delivery on the off stump, Taylor pushes back to the bowler
• 12.4 Andy McBrine to Sibanda, 1 run, easily done, just drops the flighted delivery gently to cover-point and sets off
• 12.3 Andy McBrine to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, full delivery outside off stump, Taylor drives it to sweeper cover
• 12.2 Andy McBrine to Sibanda, 1 run, looked to push it into the off-side but the ball goes off the outside half of the bat to long-off
• 12.1 Andy McBrine to Sibanda, no run, flighted delivery on the off stump, defended back to the bowler
• 11.6 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, no run, flatter delivery on the off stump, pushed back to the bowler and that's the end of Stirling's spell
• 11.5 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, no run, short outside off stump, Taylor guides it straight to short third man
• 11.4 Stirling to Sibanda, 1 run, down the leg side again, Sibanda flicsk it to deep square leg again
• 11.3 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, flatter delivery on the off stump, pushed to long-on
• 11.2 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, SIX, that's a fine hit! Advances down the track, even though he wasn't to the pitch of the ball, he lofts it in the air and clears the wide long-on fence
• 11.1 Stirling to Sibanda, 1 run, another one down the leg side, Sibanda easily flicks it through backward square leg
• 10.6 Andy McBrine to Sibanda, 1 run, goes for the quicker delivery but bowls it full, driven down to long-off
• 10.5 Andy McBrine to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, square leg is vacant and the batsmen simply are able to pick singles easily there
• 10.4 Andy McBrine to Sibanda, 1 run, on the leg stump again, easily flicked away to deep square leg
• 10.3 Andy McBrine to Brendan Taylor, leg byes, 1 run, tries to fetch the sweep from well outside off stump, the ball rolls to short fine leg off the arm
• 10.2 Andy McBrine to Brendan Taylor, no run, flatter and shortish outside off stump, Taylor punches it to mid-wicket
• 10.1 Andy McBrine to Sibanda, 1 run, nicely floated up, Sibanda wants to slog this but mistimes it to deep mid-wicket
• 9.6 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, no run, quicker ball but Taylor handles it very well, tucks it to mid-wicket where his counterpart Porterfield makes a diving save
• 9.5 Stirling to Sibanda, 1 run, tossed up on the off stump, Sibanda flicks it to mid-wicket and sets off
• 9.4 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, another back foot punch as Stirling doesn't give this any air, the ball rolls to long-on
• 9.3 Stirling to Sibanda, 1 run, shortish on the off stump, punched to mid-on
• 9.2 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, gets across the sticks and turns the flighted delivery to deep mid-wicket
• 9.2 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, wide, down the leg side, Taylor looks to sweep as he swivels but misses. The keeper takes the bails off but Taylor's foot was firmly grounded
• 9.1 Stirling to Sibanda, 1 run, flighted delivery on the off stump, Sibanda flicks it to backward square leg
• Paul Stirling [2.0-0-9-0] is back into the attack
• 8.6 Andy McBrine to Sibanda, 1 run, flighted delivery on the off stump, Sibanda turns it to backward square leg and gets off the mark straightaway
• Vusi Sibanda, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 8.5 Andy McBrine to Sean Williams, out Stumped!! This one bounced a bit more than Williams anticipated and beat his slog-sweep, Williams' back foot was just outside the crease and the keeper smartly whipped the bails off in a flash. Williams walked before the third umpire's confirmation came in as he knew that he was in trouble. So he throws away a good start. Sean Williams st G Wilson b Andy McBrine 16(9) [4s-1 6s-1]
• Andy McBrine to Sean Williams, THATS OUT!! Stumped!!
• Third umpire checking a stumping appeal. No issues with the no-ball and yes, Williams has to walk back.
• 8.4 Andy McBrine to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, gets across the sticks and turns the flatter delivery to backward square leg
• 8.3 Andy McBrine to Sean Williams, 1 run, flatter delivery outside off stump, Williams punches it to long-off
• 8.2 Andy McBrine to Sean Williams, FOUR, another very good sweep from Williams. Gets down on one knee and smashes this along the ground and splits the two men in the deep at square leg
• 8.1 Andy McBrine to Sean Williams, no run, tossed up on the off stump, Williams defends off the front foot
• 7.6 Dockrell to Sean Williams, 1 run, the reverse paddle but straight to short third man. They scamper through for a quick single
• 7.5 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, tossed up on the off stump, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket
• 7.4 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, no run, flighted delivery outside off stump, pushed back to the bowler
• 7.3 Dockrell to Sean Williams, 1 run, on the leg stump again, easily clipped off the pads through backward square leg
• 7.2 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, gently taps the flighted delivery to cover and sets off
• 7.1 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, 2 runs, tossed up on the off stump, Taylor flicks it wide of long-on and quickly returns for the second
• George Dockrell [1.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack
• 6.6 Andy McBrine to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, on the leg stump, turned away to mid-wicket
• 6.5 Andy McBrine to Sean Williams, 1 run, another leading edge that it just goes over the bowler who jumped high to grab that
• 6.4 Andy McBrine to Sean Williams, SIX, he's crashed that. Flighted delivery on the off stump, Williams slog-sweeps it very well and clears the deep square leg fence comfortably
• 6.3 Andy McBrine to Sean Williams, 2 runs, in the air and just over extra cover. The leading edge as Williams tries to flick, the ball goes over the fielder
• Sean Williams, left handed bat, comes to the crease
• 6.2 Andy McBrine to H Masakadza, out Caught by Porterfield!! He's advanced down the track and chipped it straight to mid-wicket. Clever thinking from the bowler. He dragged the length back and had Masakadza very uncertain of what to do, in the end he tries to nudge it but hit it in the air straight to the fielder. H Masakadza c Porterfield b Andy McBrine 21(17) [4s-3]
• Andy McBrine to H Masakadza, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• 6.1 Andy McBrine to H Masakadza, no run, tossed up on the off stump, defended
• Andy McBrine, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack
• 5.6 Cusack to Brendan Taylor, FOUR, what an over for Zimbabwe. This slower ball goes full to delight Taylor, he simply lofts it over wide long-off and it almost clears the fence. Drops just inches before the rope. 15 runs came off the over
• 5.5 Cusack to Brendan Taylor, no run, Taylor fends the good length delivery to backward point and yells out a loud 'no' to his partner
• 5.4 Cusack to Brendan Taylor, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Taylor defends well off the front foot
• 5.3 Cusack to Brendan Taylor, SIX, another slower delivery but Taylor has picked it. He waited for the ball absolutely smashed it straight down the ground and it sails over the fence
• 5.2 Cusack to H Masakadza, 1 run, short of length delivery on the leg stump, Masakadza drives it to long-on and gets off strike
• 5.1 Cusack to H Masakadza, FOUR, slower delivery outside off stump, Masakadza leans forward and drives the length ball on the rise, the fielder at extra-cover puts in the dive but the ball escapes
• Alex Cusack [1.0-0-12-1] is back into the attack
• 4.6 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, FOUR, that spoils the over. A low full toss looking for a well tossed up ball, Taylor gets down on one knee and sweeps it powerfully past backward square leg. That rocketed to the fence
• 4.5 Dockrell to H Masakadza, 1 run, advances but Dockrell drags his length back, Masakadza looks to fend but gets an inside edge that rolls to backward square leg
• 4.4 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, on the leg stump, tucked away to square leg
• 4.3 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, no run, this time Dockrell follows Taylor as he backs away, in the end only a gentle push
• 4.2 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, no run, makes room to go big but Dockrell keeps him calm by dragging his length back
• 4.1 Dockrell to Brendan Taylor, no run, flighted delivery on the leg stump, defended into the off-side
• George Dockrell, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack
• 3.6 Sorensen to H Masakadza, 2 runs, in the air and the fielder at midwicket makes a mess of it. Slower delivery on the stumps, Masakadza slogs and mistimes it high in the air, the fielder back pedals but couldn't get his hands to it
• 3.5 Sorensen to Brendan Taylor, 1 run, short of length delivery outside off stump, Taylor steers it to third man
• 3.4 Sorensen to H Masakadza, leg byes, 1 run, goes for another sweep but gets hit on the pad
• 3.3 Sorensen to H Masakadza, FOUR, advances and absolutely smashes this short of length delivery flat over mid-off's head. He's connecting them alright today
• 3.2 Sorensen to H Masakadza, FOUR, innovative shot. Good length delivery on the stumps, Masakadza gets down on one knee and paddle sweeps it over the man at short fine leg. That almost went the distance
• 3.1 Sorensen to H Masakadza, no run, cut hard but hit straight to the fielder. Short and wide outside off stump, Masakadza did well to time that well but picked out the man at cover-point
• Max Sorensen, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
• 2.6 Stirling to H Masakadza, 1 run, tossed up outside off stump, Masakadza drives it to mid-off
• 2.5 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, leg byes, 1 run, again down the leg side, Taylor misses the sweep, the ball goes off the pad to short fine leg
• 2.4 Stirling to Brendan Taylor, FOUR, tossed up down the leg side, Taylor sweeps very fine and beats short fine leg's desperate dive. Poor line from Stirling and he's paid the penalty
• 2.3 Stirling to H Masakadza, 1 run, nicely tossed up on the off stump, Masakadza advances and smashes it past the bowler's right hand, long-on does well to dive left and save three
• 2.2 Stirling to H Masakadza, no run, flatter outside off stump, Masakadza looks to cut and misses
• 2.1 Stirling to H Masakadza, no run, nicely tossed up on the off stump, Masakadza pushes it to mid-on
• 1.6 Cusack to Brendan Taylor, 2 runs, full delivery on the leg stump, Taylor turns it through mid-wicket for a couple
• Brendan Taylor, right handed bat, comes to the crease
• 1.5 Cusack to S Raza, out Caught by Sorensen!! He's thrown it away. Poor shot selection from Raza. One shot too many and Zimbabwe lose an early wicket. Short of a length delivery on the off stump, Raza looks to loft it over the infield but mistimes it to mid-on who leaps high to take a good catch. S Raza c Sorensen b Cusack 10(8) [4s-2]
• Cusack to S Raza, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
• 1.4 Cusack to S Raza, no run, the keeper's up to the stumps now. Raza plays a wild swing across the line but doesn't make contact
• 1.3 Cusack to S Raza, 2 runs, looks like he's going to go after Cusack. Full delivery outside off stump, Raza advances and lofts it high over cover, the ball plugs in the deep
• 1.2 Cusack to S Raza, FOUR, didn't go where he intended to go intially, the bat turns in his hand and hence the drive goes over cover-point, the ball teases the fielder and wins the battle
• 1.1 Cusack to S Raza, FOUR, good shot. Overpitched and put away easily. Full outside off stump, there to be driven, Raza lunges forward and smashes it along the ground to the deep extra-cover fence
• Alex Cusack, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
• 0.6 Stirling to H Masakadza, 2 runs, flatter and quicker outside off stump, Masakadza punches it through point for a couple
• 0.5 Stirling to H Masakadza, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, defended straight back to the bowler
• 0.4 Stirling to S Raza, byes, 1 run, slider goes wide outside off stump, Raza looks to cut but misses, the keeper fumbles to allow a single
• 0.3 Stirling to S Raza, no run, much better from Stirling, tossed up on the off stump, defended well off the front foot
• 0.2 Stirling to S Raza, no run, poor ball down the leg side, Raza looks to sweep but toe-ends it into the on-side
• 0.1 Stirling to H Masakadza, 1 run, starts off with a short delivery on the leg stump, Masakadza whips it to deep mid-wicket and opens his account straightaway
• H Masakadza and S Raza are at the crease. H Masakadza is on strike. Stirling will open the attack
• One slip in place.
• The players are making their way out to the middle. We are all set for the game to begin.
• Taylor: "We wanted to bowl as well but having said that, it looks a fine track and we'll look to put them under pressure with a good score on the board. As a group we have been really good sticking together and putting in a lot of hardwork."
• Porterfield: "We will bowl first. It looks pretty good, don't expect the wicket to change much. We are looking forward to do well. Hopefully we will give our fans something to cheer about."
• Pitch Report: 'The pitch is very dry and hard, there will not be much assistance for the pacers. Spinners will come into the equation later on, reckons Jonty Rhodes'.
• Teams:
• Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Vusi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor(w/c), Timycen Maruma, Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Prosper Utseya, Tendai Chatara, Tinashe Panyangara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi
• Ireland (Playing XI): William Porterfield(c), Paul Stirling, Kevin O'Brien, Max Sorensen, Alex Cusack, Andrew Poynter, Ed Joyce, Gary Wilson(w), George Dockrell, Stuart Thompson, Andy McBrine
• Ireland have won the toss and have opted to field
• In the warm-up games Zimbabwe lost against Hong Kong and were victorious against Afghanistan. Ireland too had a similar journey, losing against Bangladesh and winning against Nepal. It will be interesting to see the team combination of both the sides. We will bring you toss and more in a short while...
• Yesterday we saw Bangladesh and Nepal dominate proceedings! Who will get the better of who in today's double-header? We'll find out as the day progresses, hello and a warm welcome to Day 2 of the first round. Today we get to see four teams from Group B in, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Netherlands and UAE. Zimbabwe and Ireland will lock horns in the first game and let's have a look at their preparation to the tournament.
• Teams:
• Ireland (From): William Porterfield(c), George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Kevin O'Brien, Andrew Poynter, Max Sorensen, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young, Alex Cusack, Ed Joyce, Tim Murtagh, Niall O'Brien, James Shannon, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson(w)
• Zimbabwe (From): Brendan Taylor(w/c), Elton Chigumbura, Timycen Maruma, Shingirai Masakadza, Tinashe Panyangara, Sikandar Raza, Brian Vitori, Sean Williams, Tendai Chatara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Natsai Mushangwe, Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Malcolm Waller