Zimbabwe’s erratic bowling and fielding gifted Ireland a 40-run lead in the first Test in Belfast. Peter Moor, a former Zimbabwean, tormented his former team with a record-breaking 79, the highest Test score by an Ireland opener.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain Moor and his opening partner Andrew Balbirnie, who set a new Ireland record for the highest opening partnership of 71. Moor’s innings was characterized by his aggressive square drives, helping Ireland reach 115 for 2 at lunch.
However, Zimbabwe’s fortunes turned after the break. Tanaka Chivanga and Blessing Muzarabani claimed three wickets each, including the prized scalp of Moor. Paul Stirling survived a no-ball but failed to capitalize, as Muzarabani triggered a collapse with two wickets in two balls.
Ireland’s middle order crumbled, with Sean Williams and Victor Nyauchi also contributing to the wickets. Zimbabwe seemed poised to take a first-innings lead, but a defiant tenth-wicket partnership between Andy McBrine and debutant Matthew Humphreys denied them.
The pair counterattacked after a rain break, smashing 47 runs in 44 balls. Zimbabwe’s wicketkeeper Clive Madande endured a challenging day, dropping catches and conceding a record-breaking 59 extras, the most in Test history.
Despite their poor bowling and fielding, Zimbabwe’s openers, Kevin Kasuza and Takudzwanashe Kaitano, showed resilience in the final session, adding 12 runs before stumps. Ireland’s lead remains a modest 28 runs, but Zimbabwe will need to improve their discipline and execution to avoid a deficit.
