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Ireland concluded their dominant display against Zimbabwe, securing a resounding 3-0 series sweep with a comprehensive 51-run victory in the final T20 International at Sydney Parade in Dublin. Following their series-clinching win on Tuesday, the hosts finished the series in emphatic style, demonstrating their growing prowess in international cricket.
Ireland’s dominant batting performance
Having won the toss, Ireland opted to bat first, a decision that quickly paid dividends as openers Amy Hunter and Rebecca Stokell laid a formidable foundation. The duo stitched together a robust partnership, setting the tone for a commanding total. Player of the Match, Amy Hunter, was the aggressor, showcasing her impressive form by reaching a well-deserved 59 runs before her innings was cut short, caught and bowled by Zimbabwe’s Beloved Biza. Her opening partner Stokell also played a crucial role, contributing a vital 45 runs before being unfortunately run out.
The middle order continued to build on the strong start. Louise Little added a quickfire 22 runs, maintaining the momentum. The innings was then expertly finished by Orla Prendergast, who remained unbeaten on 24, and Laura Delany, who contributed 19 not out. Their late surge propelled Ireland to a challenging total of 180, setting a daunting target for the touring Zimbabwean side.
Zimbabwe’s struggle and Ireland’s bowling prowess
In response, Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a tentative start, struggling to cope with Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack. Opening batter Kelis Ndlovu was the first to depart, dismissed for just nine runs, caught by Stokell off the bowling of Ava Canning. Her opening partner, Chiedza Dhururu, soon followed suit, also caught by Stokell, this time off the bowling of Sophie MacMahon, departing for 12. These early breakthroughs put significant pressure on the Zimbabwean batting lineup.
Despite the early setbacks, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Beloved Biza offered a glimmer of hope for the visitors. Mugeri-Tiripano showed resilience with a top score of 39, while Biza, who had earlier taken a key wicket with the ball, contributed a fighting 25 runs. However, their resistance was ultimately broken. Both batters fell to the safe hands of Prendergast in the field; Canning claimed her second wicket by dismissing Mugeri-Tiripano and Cara Murray accounted for Biza.
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The Irish bowlers maintained their relentless pressure throughout the innings. MacMahon further solidified Ireland’s grip on the match by claiming her second wicket, with Prendergast once again involved in the dismissal, catching Modester Mupachikwa for 17. The consistent fall of wickets ensured Zimbabwe could never truly build the partnerships needed to threaten Ireland’s total.
🏆: Some behind-the-scenes of the trophy presentation. 🙌☘️🏏#FuelledByCerta pic.twitter.com/j6b8CmPVkJ
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) July 23, 2025
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