Test Match – Day 2 of 5: Zimbabwe 1st inns 210 (71.3 ovs) (P Masvaure 74, J Gumbie 49, S Williams 35; A McBrine 3-37, B McCarthy 3-42, M Adair 2-49) and 12-0 (4 eggs) trail Ireland 250 (P Moor 79, A McBrine 28, M Humphreys 27no; T Chivanga 3-39, B Muzarabani 3-53, T Chatara 2-47)
Peter Moor scored 79 for Ireland on day two of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe but the historic game in Belfast remains in the balance.
Ireland managed to establish a potentially crucial 40-run first innings lead at Stormont Cricket Ground after making 250 on day two, with Moor impressing against his home country.
A collapse ensued following Moor’s dismissal before a fine 47-run partnership for the last wicket between Andy McBrine and Matthew Humphreys proved vital as Zimbabwe, who were bowled out for 210 on day one, closed on 12 for no loss.
Opener Moor put on 71 for the first wicket with captain Andrew Balbirnie during a strong morning session before Tanaka Chivanga made the breakthrough. Balbirnie departed for 19 and Curtis Campher was out cheaply as Ireland reached lunch at 115 for two.
Moor, who was born in Harare and represented Zimbabwe before moving to play for Ireland in 2023 due to an Irish passport, had already turned 50.
However, Moor saw Harry Tector pinned in front lbw by Chivanga two balls into the afternoon session.
When Moor was run out for 79 from 105 balls by Blessing Muzarabani, Ireland quickly went from 165 for three to 189 for seven, with Sean Williams securing the crucial scalp of Paul Stirling for 22.
McBrine stood either side of tea and a rain delay before finding a key ally in number 11 Humphreys.
Humphreys hit a six in an innings of 31 from 27 not out, adding 47 runs for the last wicket with McBrine, who was out for 28, ending Ireland’s innings with 250.
There was still time for Zimbabwe to face four overs but the tourists’ opening pair survived to keep the game going in Belfast, making Northern Ireland the 23rd nation to host a men’s Test, delicately positioned ahead of day three.
from Vedellapirineus https://ift.tt/ShNBqkw
