1st ODI | Zimbabwe Vs Ireland | 18th Jan 2023

[secretzimbo]

That ending was just reward for those of us that sat through and endured about 30 overs of the most turgid uninteresting cricket in history this morning when we were bowling

[secretzimbo]

Toss remains a massive factor. That bowling attack of ours would have been smashed around had we been bowling this afternoon. I thought our bowling was largely poor and toothless for large stretches. Masked only by the difficult early morning batting conditions which thankfully helped restrict them to an underpar score. We never seriously looked like taking wickets after the first hour. Big improvements needed especially if we find ourselves bowling second at any point this series.

I have a lot of confidence in our batting in 50 over cricket. Ballance is a massive addition. Kaia always seems to get a start. The sledging got to him today which is a shame. Ervine/Williams/Ballance/Raza/Burl is a formidable middle order. We just need an opener to pair with Kaia and we are set.

I would like to see Mavuta next game, and I'm sure they'll continue to rotate the seamers so probably Chatara will come back. Sensed we needed his experience and craft today.


Huge day for Madande. That 1 shot alone will play a major part in his development I'm sure. He'll believe he belongs now and have way more confidence going forward.

[Marshmallow]

What a unlucky that iam watched the whole first innings and missed second innings . Night shift ruined my whole plan and best match experience .
Whatever Zimbabwe won that's it

[sam_ahm]

Sorry to post this here but an unbelievable game in Hyderabad too, NZ almost pulled that off out of nowhere some unbelievable hitting by M Bracewell. I was literally stunned.

[Kriterion_BD]

Wow didn’t realize it was 4 needed off the last ball. ZIM have been impressive of late. houghton really making a difference.

[tej_27]

If we can convince one of byrom/Welch we are set for the qualifiers . Probably stronger side than last qualifiers .i would want to see mavuta for mazakdaza next game just to understand if he can translate domestic form to international game

[Kriterion_BD]

If we can convince one of byrom/Welch we are set for the qualifiers . Probably stronger side than last qualifiers .i would want to see mavuta for mazakdaza next game just to understand if he can translate domestic form to international game

Last time there was BT and Cremer. Plus the Ham.

[TapsC2]

Hats off to Burl. I was critical of him but I hope this is career defining tour for him. He is finding some consistency. A real confidence booster for Madande too.

I couldn't see it 6 months ago but I actually think at full strength and with the crowd behind us we have a chance to qualify. I'm starting to believe. I think Regis is targeting those qualifiers and if he is in a bit of form it will make a huge difference along with Ballance who I think will be our best player along with Williams once he settles.

[sloandog]

Any and all highlights welcome gents

[Googly]

I missed the game!
Drove past this morning and only realised we were playing today. Then drove past again on the way back in the rain and assumed it had been rained off.
Ireland will be feeling picked on, they've lost 3 uber close games. Not often you'll see 2 centurions in a team and they still lose.

I got sent a clip of the last ball, that bowler will be getting night sweats for some years after that.