Hunter on fire as Ireland see off Zimbabwe
AMY HUNTER’S fondness for the Harare Sports Club continued as she scored an unbeaten 77 on her 50th international appearance across all formats as Ireland Women took a 2-0 T20I series lead with a 42-run victory over Zimbabwe yesterday.
Hunter’s innings included six fours and two sixes as she backed up her 101 from the first game on Friday. And after posting a total of 172-3, Ireland captain Laura Delany then took career-best T20I bowling figures of 4-12 as Zimbabwe were restricted to 130-8 in reply.
Ireland were forced into a change to their line-up, with Freya Sargent coming in for the unfortunate Sophie MacMahon, after she picked up a knee injury in Friday’s victory.
Following some tight bowling by Nomvelo Sibanda to start, Ireland’s opening pair of Gaby Lewis and Hunter compiled 94 runs for the first wicket, before Lewis (44) was bowled by Lindokuhle Mabhera.
Ireland also took advantage of several fielding mistakes by Zimbabwe, with Hunter going on to score her half-century off 36 balls.
Orla Prendergast, who came in at number three, then showed off her prowess with the bat, blasting a quick-fire 37 (off 17 balls) as Ireland blasted 65 from the final five overs.
In response, Zimbabwe came out with intent, scoring eight runs in the first over. They continued that early assault until the last ball of the fifth over when Ava Canning removed the Zimbabwe captain Mary-Ann Musonda, who was caught behind. Once Musonda departed the run rate slowed down and the hosts were restricted to 67-1 after 10 overs.
Once 18-year-old Kelis Ndhlovu (52) was removed by a brilliant diving catch by Cara Murray in the 16th over the game was effectively over. Delany took two further wickets, one thanks to a fantastic one-handed diving catch by Arlene Kelly at short fine leg, as Ireland won comfortably.
The third match of the fivematch series takes place on Tuesday at 11am Irish time. Zimbabwe Women v Ireland Women, 2nd T20 International, Harare Sports Club Ireland 172-3 (20 overs; A Hunter 77*, G Lewis 44; L Mabhero 1-18). Zimbabwe 130-8 (20 overs; K Ndhlovu 52, P Mujaji 31; L Delany 4-12). Ireland won by 42 runs.