Story by Anashe Murombedzi, Sports Reporter
IRELAND won the second T20 match against Zimbabwe by 4 wickets at the Harare Sports Club this Saturday, levelling the series and setting up a thrilling finale in the three-match T20 series.
It was a tense match with high stakes, a win would have seen the chevrons winning the series, a fitting redemption after disappointing World Cup qualifiers in Namibia.
Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl first.
The Chevrons posted a respectable total of 165 runs for a loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to heroic performances from Clive Madande who top-scored with 44 from 39 balls.
Madande stood tall and provided the much-needed stability, showing great skill and composure as he kept the scoreboard ticking, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Tinashe Kanhukamwe and Ryan Burl also chipped in with some important runs to help the team out of trouble.
It was up to the bowlers to defend the total and secure a series victory.
At the halfway stage through the Ireland response, the match was even and either team could win it as Ireland were on 84 for three, needing 82 runs from 60 balls.
The Irish players however went through the last part of their chase with a lot of composure.
Needing 7 runs from the last over, Ireland crossed the line with two balls to spare winning the match by four wickets.
The two teams will face off this Sunday in a series decider.
