By Sports Reporter

Zimbabwe cricket team got their 2023 on a positive note by beating Ireland by 5 wickets in the opening T20I at Harare sports club.

The Chevrons won the toss and elected to field first on a pitch which seemed flat.

Zimbabwe started like a house on fire with Richard Ngarava striking in the second over getting rid of Ross Adair for 5 runs.

Tendai Chara got into the act claiming the scalp of Andy Balbrine in the 3rd over.

Ireland debutant Stephen Doheny’s innings were short-lived as he perished for 15 runs of the bowling Brad Evans.

Harry Hector and George Dockrell were both bowled out by Ryan Burl who was eventually named man of the match, finishing with 3 wickets for 29.

Chatara capped off a superb bowling display with a wicket, bowling out the visitors for 114 runs.

The Chevron’s chase started on a bad note with the skipper Craig Ervine and Tadiwanashe Marumani perishing in quick succession with just 8 runs on the board.

Debutant Gary Ballance tried to steady the ship with a knock of 30 runs of 29 balls before he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Doheny.

Sean Williams made sure Zimbabwe chased the target of 114 runs as he top-scored with 34 runs.