Ireland win opening T20 against Zimbabwe

BBC News

4 days ago

First Twenty20 International, DublinIreland 118-4 (16.5 overs) Lewis 67, Chigora 2-18, Chipare 1-19Zimbabwe 117-9 (20 overs) Mugeri-Tiripano 42, Murray 3-19, Kelly 2-10Ireland win by six wicketsIreland Women produced a strong display to beat Zimbabwe Women by six wickets in their opening Twenty20 International at Sydney Parade in Dublin.Irish captain Gaby Lewis won the toss and opted to bowl first, with Ireland making a good start as Orla Prendergast claimed a wicket in the third ball of the innings.The wickets continued to tumble as Cara Murray took three, Arlene Kelly claimed two and debutant Lara McBride got one to get Llyod Tennant's side off to a flying start.Zimbabwe ended 117-9 which Ireland managed to chase down by the 17th over having lost just four wickets of their own in a fine batting display.Gaby Lewis finished with 67 runs, becoming the first woman to pass 4,000 runs across all formats for Ireland in the process.Further history was made by teenager Amy Hunter, who with her nine runs, passed 1,000 T20I runs for her country. Ireland will now look to win the series in the second T20 international which takes place on Tuesday.