TONY Munyonga and Richard Ngarava held their nerves to guide the Zimbabwe national
cricket team to a three-wicket win over Ireland in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
The win gave Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the first match was washed out by rain on Saturday.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid off as the bowlers and fielders put in a solid performance. Seamer Trevor Gwandu was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/24, while Raza and Ngarava picked up two wickets each.
Ireland were restricted to 137/8 in their 20 overs, with opener Lorcan Tucker top-scoring with 46 off 40 balls. Brian Bennet took two stunning catches to help Zimbabwe contain the Irish batting.
In response, Zimbabwe got off to a shaky start, losing opener Tadiwanashe
Marumani and Wessly Madhevere for identical scores of one. Bennett departed soon after, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 14/3 after 3.2 overs.
However, Munyonga and Ngarava showed nerves of steel to guide Zimbabwe to victory. Munyonga remained unbeaten on 43 off 30 balls, laced with five boundaries, while Ngarava scored 12 not out from seven balls.
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Munyonga was named player of the match and expressed his delight at returning to the national team and playing a leading role in the win.
"We wanted to put ourselves in a position where we just needed to keep batting and get the team over the line. Enjoying the moment and staying focused was key," Munyonga said.
He credited his recent form in domestic cricket to giving him the confidence to perform on the international stage.
"Scoring runs in domestic cricket has helped me regain my confidence. Watching and playing a lot of cricket has also helped me develop the skills to handle pressure situations," he said.
Ireland bowler Craig Young picked up 4/24, while Josh Little, Ben White and Harry Tector took a wicket each.
The two teams will face off again in the final T20I tomorrow under floodlights. Play is scheduled for 6pm at Harare Sports Club.
