Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
All-rounder Ryan Burl was once again the star of the show after leading Zimbabwe to a thrilling three wicket win over Ireland via the Duckworth Lewis method in a rain-affected first One Day International at Harare Sports Club this Wednesday.
For the third time during this tour, Burl was named player of the match.
The Marondera born Cricketer picked up two man of the match accolades in three T20s against Ireland and followed that up with another player of the match award after hitting 59 runs off 49 balls.
Zimabwe won the toss and put the visitors to bat and the Irish posted a commanding 288 runs for 4 aided by Andy Balbernie and Harry Tector’s centuries.
In reply, the Chevrons tried to keep up with the run rate even though they lost wickets at regular intervals before the rain intervened with Zimbabwe on 175 for 4 at 33.2 overs.
After more than an hour’s delay due to the rain the revised target was 213 runs which left Zimbabwe chasing 39 runs from 22 balls.
The Chevrons had two players they would wish to be on the crease in Ryan Burl – a finisher and Sikander Raza – the man in form.
However, Raza would soon depart leaving Burl to take control and he did just that in emphatic fashion, hitting the ball all over the park before he was dismissed with the team needing 13 runs.
The tussle went to the final ball of the innings Zimbabwe needing three runs off the final ball and youngster Clive Madande hit a spectacular four.
“It’s good that the youngsters are coming in playing important roles in the team. That is very good for the team and for me I am happy to have carried on with the good form, it’s for the team, not individuals,” Raza said.
The two teams are back on the crease on Saturday for the second ODI.
