Irish under-19 cricketers avoided a complete series sweep by beating Zimbabwe by four wickets in the final Youth One Day International at Takashinga Cricket ground. The win left the series at 4-1 for Zimbabwe. After struggling in the first four matches, Ireland finally found success through Adam Leckey's outstanding performance.
Leckey remained unbeaten with 91 runs from 100 balls, standing firm despite wickets falling around him. Ethan Marshall helped with 41 runs before Kian Blignaut dismissed him just short of a half-century. Oliver Riley sealed the victory with back-to-back boundaries in the 43rd over, pushing Ireland to 205 runs for six wickets in 42 overs.
Zimbabwe had posted 203 runs all out in 42.1 overs earlier, with Dhruv Patel scoring 79 runs for the Young Chevrons. Takudzwa Makoni added 48 runs, but six Zimbabwe batsmen failed to reach double figures. The total proved insufficient despite bowling efforts from Kirby Madharamete, who took two wickets.
The home team challenged Ireland but fell short as the visitors secured their first victory with 16 balls remaining. Despite losing this match, Zimbabwe claimed the series 4-1, gaining valuable experience ahead of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Leckey remained unbeaten with 91 runs from 100 balls, standing firm despite wickets falling around him. Ethan Marshall helped with 41 runs before Kian Blignaut dismissed him just short of a half-century. Oliver Riley sealed the victory with back-to-back boundaries in the 43rd over, pushing Ireland to 205 runs for six wickets in 42 overs.
Zimbabwe had posted 203 runs all out in 42.1 overs earlier, with Dhruv Patel scoring 79 runs for the Young Chevrons. Takudzwa Makoni added 48 runs, but six Zimbabwe batsmen failed to reach double figures. The total proved insufficient despite bowling efforts from Kirby Madharamete, who took two wickets.
The home team challenged Ireland but fell short as the visitors secured their first victory with 16 balls remaining. Despite losing this match, Zimbabwe claimed the series 4-1, gaining valuable experience ahead of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
