Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 2nd ODI

Date: 28th July 2025
Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast

Match Summary

Ireland Women triumphed over Zimbabwe Women by 4 wickets in a closely contested match. Orla Prendergast's unbeaten 67 led Ireland's chase, while Alana Dalzell's 4-wicket haul played a key role in restricting Zimbabwe's batting. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano's half-century (56) was the highlight for Zimbabwe. Loreen Tshuma and Alana Dalzell delivered standout bowling performances, each taking 4 wickets.

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Detailed Narrative

Zimbabwe Women Batting

Winning the toss, Zimbabwe Women opted to bat first but struggled to establish momentum. Early wickets fell quickly, with Kelis Ndhlovu bowled for a duck and Loreen Tshuma dismissed for 4.

Key Performers:

• Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano anchored the innings with a composed 56 off 92 balls, including six boundaries.
• Modester Mupachikwa contributed a steady 45 off 86 balls, forming the backbone of Zimbabwe's total of 178 runs in 49.1 overs.

Bowling Highlights for Ireland:

• Alana Dalzell was exceptional, claiming 4 wickets for 36 runs in her 10 overs. She dismissed key batters like Kelis Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa.
• Lara McBride supported well with figures of 3/22, including a stumping and two catches.

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Ireland Women Batting

Chasing 179, Ireland Women had a shaky start, losing Sarah Forbes early for just 2 runs. However, the middle order stabilized the innings, thanks to some crucial contributions.

Key Performers:

• Orla Prendergast remained unbeaten with a match-winning 67 off 72 balls, hitting 7 boundaries and maintaining a strike rate of 93.06.
• Gaby Lewis played a vital knock of 44 off 59 balls, providing early stability after the quick fall of the first wicket.
• Ava Canning played a handy cameo of 14 not out, including a six, to finish the chase in style.

Bowling Highlights for Zimbabwe:

• Loreen Tshuma stood out with 4 wickets for 35 runs in her 10 overs, including the dismissals of Laura Delany and Leah Paul.

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Notable Moments

• Half-Centuries:

  • Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (56) for Zimbabwe Women.
  • Orla Prendergast (67*) for Ireland Women.

• Bowling Brilliance:

  • Alana Dalzell (4/36) for Ireland Women.
  • Loreen Tshuma (4/35) for Zimbabwe Women.

• Fielding Excellence:

  • Amy Hunter took 2 catches and executed a sharp stumping for Ireland.
  • Chiedza Dhururu was involved in 2 catches and 1 stumping for Zimbabwe.

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Sequence of Events in the Match

1. Zimbabwe Women chose to bat but lost early wickets.
2. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Modester Mupachikwa resurrected the innings with steady knocks.
3. Ireland's bowlers, led by Alana Dalzell and Lara McBride, bowled out Zimbabwe for 178.
4. Ireland Women started cautiously, with Sarah Forbes departing early.
5. Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast built a strong partnership to stabilize the chase.
6. Orla Prendergast's unbeaten 67 guided Ireland to victory in 38.5 overs.

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Conclusion

Ireland Women showcased an all-round performance to secure a comfortable win. Orla Prendergast's composed innings and Alana Dalzell's fiery bowling spell were the standout performances. This victory underlined Ireland's dominance and their ability to chase under pressure.