The 2025 ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI at the Harare Sports Club turned out to be a one-sided affair following Zimbabwe’s brilliant batting display. Paul Stirling won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first, which played against Ireland as they lost the game by 49 runs. The following is Zimbabwe vs Ireland 1st ODI highlights as it happened.
Zimbabwe vs Ireland 1st ODI Highlights
Zimbabwe’s Outstanding Batsman
Brian Bennett’s outstanding score of 169 runs helped Zimbabwe post a humongous total of 299 runs in the first innings of the Ireland tour of Zimbabwe series. Brian Bennett became the fourth-youngest player to hit 150 or more in a men’s ODI cricket. He also got the fifth-highest ODI score by a Zimbabwean batsman, with 169 runs to his name.
For the first time in his ODI career, Bennett was moved to the opening slot, and it turned out to be a brilliant move. His positive start was crucial to Zimbabwe’s early momentum, especially against Josh Little. Little gave up 35 runs in his first three overs after struggling with line and length upon rejoining the ODI team after a break in this Ireland tour of Zimbabwe series.
MAIDEN TON IN ODIs FOR BRIAN BENNETT!
ZIMBABWE HAS EVENTUALLY FOUND ITS SUPERSTAR FOR 2027 WORLD CUP. pic.twitter.com/AcrKkxjrZS
— Udit (@Merovaeous) February 14, 2025
Brian Bennett took advantage of this by hitting six fours off Little’s opening spell, while Ben Curran added a couple more boundaries. Due to their quick start and the fact that Ireland’s bowlers did not make any early breakthroughs, Zimbabwe was able to establish a solid opening partnership. Before Andy McBrine broke the partnership by removing Curran for just 24, the two contributed 95 runs. Nevertheless, Bennett discovered Craig Ervine to be an excellent partner, and the two established a dominant second-wicket partnership.
103-run partnership between Brian Bennett (114*) and Craig Ervine (49*)#ZIMvIRE #Travel&ExperienceZimbabwe 📝: https://t.co/Sfp3x6dTn0 pic.twitter.com/ITWDMhRbWM
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 14, 2025
Bennett took up the aggressive role as they combined to contribute 136 runs in 134 balls. Playing more carefully, Ervine looked for openings and successfully rotated the strike. Bennett, on the other hand, played with style and elegance as he attacked the Ireland bowlers. Throughout his knock, he amassed 20 fours and three sixes, finding boundaries in every part of the field.
Brian Bennett (39*) and Ben Curran (19*) bring up Zimbabwe’s 60-run opening partnership. #ZIMvIRE #VisitZimbabwe 📝: https://t.co/Sfp3x6dTn0 pic.twitter.com/k14uXXtiJH
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 14, 2025
The partnership ended when medium-pacer Graham Hume removed Ervine in the 41st over, despite Zimbabwe reaching 200 in the 38th over. Bennett kept the innings moving forward even after Sikandar Raza and Wessly Madhevere were out, which caused the momentum to shift. His last surge helped Zimbabwe achieve a difficult 299 for 5 in their stipulated 50 overs, as he kept the scoreboard moving. Bennett’s persistence at the crease was crucial to Zimbabwe’s total, and his knock was a real demonstration of talent and focus. It’s recommended to re-watch Zimbabwe vs Ireland 1st ODI highlights to witness the batting masterclass by Bennett!
Ireland‘s Respond to the Target
When Richard Ngarava removed Andrew Balbirnie from the first delivery of the innings in response, Ireland’s pursuit got off to a terrible start. Ireland’s batting order showed promise despite this early setback; Paul Stirling (32), Curtis Campher (44), Harry Tector (39), and Lorcan Tucker (31) all started well but were unable to convert their starts, as seen in Zimbabwe vs Ireland 1st ODI highlights.
Two captains. One trophy 🏆#ZIMvIRE #VisitZimbabwe 📝: https://t.co/Sfp3x6dTn0 pic.twitter.com/7lWaUQJ36y
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 14, 2025
The chase appeared to be all but over at 169 for 6 in the 35th over, but Ireland’s hopes were momentarily restored by a valiant stand between George Dockrell (34) and McBrine (36). They combined to score 73 runs in 9.1 overs, putting Ireland back in the game and unsettling the home crowd. But when Blessing Muzarabani returned to the attack with the ball, the game turned back in Zimbabwe’s favour. He quickly took the crucial wickets of McBrine and Dockrell, ultimately ending the game for Ireland. After that, Richard Ngarava bowled Ireland out for 250, giving the home team a 49-run victory in the 2025 ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI.
Irish Captain’s reaction to the Result
Reflecting on the loss, Ireland captain Paul Stirling acknowledged that Zimbabwe’s total was certainly achievable but conceded that his team had lost their way during the chase. “We gave Bennett a chance or two, and he made us pay. We were rusty [in the field] when we shouldn’t have been. I felt 50 runs was the difference between the two sides, and the result reflects that,” he said. “A target of 300 was chaseable, and at 30 overs, we were in the hunt. But we lost our way. We bat pretty deep, and hopefully, we do well with the bat next game.”
Conclusion
Brian Bennett stars with an impressive 169 runs, while bowler Blessing Muzarabani takes 4 wickets, as Zimbabwe defeat Ireland by 49 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
Match Details 📝: https://t.co/Sfp3x6dTn0#ZIMvIRE #Travel&ExperienceZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/MzKgoKOOKb
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 14, 2025
The outcome in the 2025 ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI handed Zimbabwe a 1-0 series lead and snapped their four-match losing streak. Zimbabwe will aim to build on this victory and maintain their impressive performance in the forthcoming games of the Ireland tour of Zimbabwe series. In case you missed the live action, definitely watch the Zimbabwe vs Ireland 1st ODI highlights.
