Ervine scored his second ODI century

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Zimbabwe batsman Craig Ervine scored an unbeaten 101 to not only hand his side a five-wicket win over Ireland in the second ODI in Harare, but also give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

However, Ireland opener Paul Stirling, batsman Gary Wilson and wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien all deserve some credit as they scored 72, 65 and 50 respectively.

After being put in to bat first, Ireland lost captain William Porterfield and batsman Ed Joyce for eight and 17 respectively before Stirling stabilised the innings with his innings of 72, which came off 77 balls and included nine boundaries.

Stirling made a gutsy 72

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Following Stirling’s dismissal, Ireland lost Andy Balbirnie shortly after. But, O’Brien ensured Zimbabwe didn’t gain the upper hand as he scored 50 off 61 balls, which included two boundaries and three sixes.

O’Brien scored a valiant 50

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With Wilson hammering 65 off 55 deliveries, which included six boundaries and three sixes, towards the end of the innings, Ireland finished on 268/7 off their 50 overs.

Wilson made his second consecutive half-century

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Sikandar Raza was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Tinashe Panyangara and Luke Jongwe chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Chasing 269 to win, a majority of the Zimbabwe batsmen made small, but useful, contributions with the bat to support Ervine, who carried his side to victory with nine balls to spare thanks to his unbeaten knock of 101, which came off 122 balls and included nine boundaries and two sixes.

Kevin O’Brien was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while John Mooney, Tim Murtagh and Andy McBrine claimed one wicket each.