UNDER the weight of history and a fiery Irish attack, Zimbabwe stumbled to 38/3 at stumps on Day 3, leaving their chase of 292 teetering on a knife’s edge on Saturday in Bulawayo.
Brian Bennett’s defiant 15* flickers as the hosts’ lone hope, but with 254 still needed and shadows lengthening over Queens Sports Club, this Test hangs in the balance.
Resuming at 83/1, Ireland’s batters chipped away at Zimbabwe’s resolve with stubborn partnerships.
Andy Balbirnie (66 off 160) anchored the innings, stitching a 121-run stand with Curtis Campher (39), whose loose drive to Trevor Gwandu sparked Zimbabwe’s fightback. Lorcan Tucker’s breezy 58 (95 balls) late in the order stretched Ireland’s lead, but Richard Ngarava (4/55) haunted the tail, skidding through defences with lethal precision.
Zimbabwe’s attack, once ragged, found moments of brilliance: Wessly Madhevere’s spin lured Balbirnie lbw for his maiden Test wicket, while Gwandu (2/28) redeemed his first-innings woes with crafty seam. Yet, Ireland’s depth shone nine batters hit double figures, their 298 a show of collective spirit.
The hosts’ reply unravelled swiftly. Barry McCarthy’s swing trapped Ben Curran (4) edging behind before Mark Adair’s searing delivery uprooted Takudzwanashe Kaitano’s off-stump. Matthew Humphreys, Ireland’s left-arm spinner, then outfoxed Nick Welch (5) with a darting straight ball, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 32/3.
Bennett’s late flurry of a near-six off Andy McBrine offered fleeting respite, but nightwatchman Gwandu (0*) now stands between him and a fractured lower order.
Zimbabwe’s task is Herculean with their highest successful Test chase remaining at 162 from 1998. Ireland, meanwhile, scent a maiden Test win on African soil.
