Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 3rd ODI: Lewis, Paul guide visitors to a 8-wicket win

A 145-run opening-wicket stand between Leah Paul (63) and Gaby Lewis (96*) steered Ireland to an eight-wicket win against Zimbabwe in the third Women’s ODI at the Harare Sports Club. Riding on their partnership, Ireland chased down 179 with 11 overs to spare to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

Lewis needed to hit a six to bring up a maiden ODI hundred after the scores were level, but she only managed to take a single to take Ireland past the finishing line.

For Zimbabwe, Josephine Nkomo and Esther Mbofana bowled tightly, conceding less than four runs an over. Tasmeen Granger picked up two wickets, but it came all too late.

Earlier, Zimbabwe were skittled out for 178 in 47 overs after opting to bat. Modester Mupachikwa (23), Mary-Anne Musonda (26 in 22 balls), Precious Marange (20), and Tasmeen Granger (20) had starts, but could not convert them to big innings. In fact, no Zimbabwean batter scored in excess of 26.

With 3-34, Celeste Raack was the pick of the Irish bowler. Leah Paul also returned excellent figures of 10-1-24-2. Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, and Laura Delany shared the remaining five wickets.

The two sides will again meet on 11 October, for the fourth and the last ODI at the same venue.

Brief Scores: Zimbabwe Women 178 in 47 overs (Mary-Anne Musonda 26; Celeste Raack 3-34) lost to Ireland Women 179/2 in 39 overs (Gaby Lewis 96*; Tasmeen Granger 2-53) by 8 wickets with 66 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Gaby Lewis.