BLESSING Muzarabani wrote his name in Zimbabwe’s cricket history on Thursday at the Queens Sports Club, but Ireland’s lower order demonstrated remarkable resilience to keep their team in the contest.
Muzarabani’s devastating spell of 7 for 58, the best by a Zimbabwean pace bowler in a Test innings, initially ripped through the Irish batting lineup, reducing them to a precarious 31 for 5.
Ireland, after winning the toss and electing to bat, found themselves in deep trouble early on. Muzarabani was simply unplayable, his pace and movement proving too much for the top order. However, just when it seemed Ireland would fold quickly, Lorcan Tucker (33) and Andy McBrine began a counter-attack.
The real story of the Irish innings, however, was the partnership between McBrine and Mark Adair. Together, they added 127 runs, dragging their side back from the brink. Adair’s aggressive 78, filled with 13 boundaries, put the pressure back on Zimbabwe. McBrine left stranded on 90, displayed admirable composure.
Despite the fightback, Muzarabani continued to be a menace, returning to take key wickets and complete his magnificent haul. Richard Ngarava supported well with 2 wickets.
In response, Zimbabwe, led by debutant captain Johnathan Campbell (following a late withdrawal by Craig Ervine), made a steady start, reaching 72 for 1 at the close of play. Nick Welch, also making his debut, looked assured, reaching 33 not out, while Takudzwanashe Kaitano remained watchful on 26.
