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

[maehara]

Dabengwa gone for 140. Too late of a breakthrough to prevent ZimXI claiming the first innings points, though - just 13 more required. Currently 453/5.

[Train Driver]

maehara


Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[maehara]

I know. I just had a horrible vision of a Zimbabwe Collapse...

460/6, Shingi and Forster at the crease, 6 more required...

[Train Driver]

It's that 'dual nationality' of yours, isn't it ?

If you put a hex on the innings lead we might all give that leg of yours a kick

[maehara]

It's that 'dual nationality' of yours, isn't it ?
If you put a hex on the innings lead we might all give that leg of yours a kick

Gotta catch me first.

3 more required. I'm also feeling remarkably un-divided about this one - firmly cheering for Zim.

[maehara]

...and there we go. 6 points for the first innings lead puts us into 2nd place on the tourney table, ahead of Scotland on quotient; a further 3 for the draw (which we all know this will end as) will open a small gap.

Ireland's final hopes are dead and buried. Good fightback by ZimXI after Ireland's first innings.

[maehara]

Day Three Close: Ireland 465, Zimbabwe XI 506/6 (148 overs; Williams 178, Johnston 3/80).

[brmtaylor.com admin]

What does this match say about the divide between Ireland and Zimbabwe?

I don't know much about Ireland - I'm sure maehara can help me out here - but I guess Rankin is quite a big omission from the team? But otherwise their first choice team is playing?

Despite good performances by S Masakadza and Mushangwe, Zimbabwe XI's bowling attack for this match is quite weak. I don't think Ireland would have scored as much as they did if some genuine international bowlers like Price and Cremer were playing.

I admit I didn't expect Zimbabwe XI to be able to pass Ireland's first innings score, but in fairness I didn't expect Dabengwa to make 140 either. Well done to him, he and Sean Williams - and not forgetting the 100 run partnership Marillier was involved in - saved the match. Judging by the scores it is clearly a good batting track - Matsikenyeri and Sibanda really missed out.

So back to my initial question... Ireland scored about what you'd expect a team of their calibre to score. But it was against a bowling attack with no real firepower boasting a grand total of 1 ODI cap. And our batsmen are 6/506 and counting, with only Sibanda in the ODI squad - and not a likely selection at that.

I think it is fair to expect a full member A team to beat an associate - and barring some spectacular failure by the Irish batsmen tomorrow, that won't happen. Conversely, Ireland would have wanted to win this game convincingly to make a statement about their Test aspirations - and that certainly won't happen now.

Perhaps it will be the ODI's that will paint a clearer picture.

[maehara]

I don't know much about Ireland - I'm sure maehara can help me out here - but I guess Rankin is quite a big omission from the team? But otherwise their first choice team is playing?

Rankin and Alex Cusack are the only first-choice players missing, both through injury - getting players released by counties is usually a big problem for Ireland, but with this match taking place when the county season was essentially done & dusted that wasn't a problem.

Call me a cynic, but Zim XI have done far better in this match than I thought they would. Ireland are at the level of Zimbabwe and Bangladesh when they're at full strength, and should have won this match - I wonder if, knowing that we could make do with a draw but Ireland couldn't, ZC have had the pitch prepared accordingly. I wouldn't blame them if they had.

[tawac]

Well done Zim IX its always great when one or two players stand up and get counted. I will admit Im one of those fellas who thought 465 was a bit out our reach. Big Up to Sean and Kieth for the big scores. Would luv for Zim to declare now and hopefull we can get some surprises tomorrow on the last last day.