[Match Thread] Zimbabwe XI v Ireland (Intercontinental Cup)

[clikcspeed]

450???? I'm worried now. but it looks as if the wicket is flat... The guys will have to extremely when when they start batting latter on today. hopefully no wickets lost by close of play otherwise this will turn out to be a disaster

[maehara]

Ireland 465 all out, and Matsi out already (LBW for 2). My lips are sealed.

Marillier and Williams batting now. Here's hoping for a damn good partnership between them...

[eugene]

Lets hope Sean Williams can bat his way back into the national side.

[bayhaus]

Why the HECK is Matsi opening, we have enough openers already!

Lets hope Sean Williams can bat his way back into the national side.

Yes we need a centuries from these two and another from Vusi!

[Conant]

Zim 175 for 3 at close on day 2. Looks like we're going to concede a first innings lead here. Thrilled though by Sean Williams' effort so far; 88 not out with Marriller scoring 47.

[safarimike]

why is Matsikenyeri even playing....

[Boundary]

OK, I've never waded into the Matsi debate but it must be said, I don't see his value in this I-Cup squad. His experience isn't showing itself with much regularity. I acknowledge his useful knock in Canada but he's too erratic for my taste.

Anyway, we're heading for a draw, so those 6 first innings points must be a priority now. Surely.

[sloandog]

I'd like to see Matskinyeri perform, but his inclusion defies logic

[eugene]

My feelings on Matsikenyeri are no mystery, but if he is to be selected I think he is best (or least-bad, depending on your persepctive) in the middle order. His best innings have always come from the middle order. Opening with him seems rather strange.

[aydee]

My feelings on Matsikenyeri are no mystery, but if he is to be selected I think he is best (or least-bad, depending on your persepctive) in the middle order. His best innings have always come from the middle order. Opening with him seems rather strange.

I reckon Dabengwa should have opened. He scored a couple of big hundreds after the Tuskers moved him to the top at the end of last season. Unlike Matsi, he seems to be someone who is using his experience to make himself a more effective cricketer. He'll never be an international match winner, but his improvement with the bat in the last couple of years is notable...