Table of Contents
The Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women Match Scorecard provides a complete view of the contest, including team totals, individual batting performances, bowling figures, wickets, partnerships and the final result. Ireland and Zimbabwe have produced competitive women’s international matches, with their 2025 series featuring both ODI and T20I encounters. In the first ODI at Belfast, Ireland Women scored 288/9 and defeated Zimbabwe Women by 97 runs. The second ODI was a closer contest, with Zimbabwe making 178 before Ireland successfully chased the target and won by four wickets.
The match referred to here is the 3rd ODI of Ireland Women’s tour of Zimbabwe at Harare on January 23, 2024. Ireland Women posted 180 all out in 48.1 overs before Zimbabwe Women were bowled out for 99 in 30.5 overs. Ireland won by 81 runs, with Cara Murray producing the standout bowling performance with six wickets.
Match Overview and Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | 3rd ODI |
| Teams | Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women |
| Venue | Harare |
| Date | January 23, 2024 |
| Ireland Women | 180 all out |
| Zimbabwe Women | 99 all out |
| Result | Ireland Women won by 81 runs |
| Player of the Match | Cara Murray |
| Best Batting | Orla Prendergast, 41 |
| Best Bowling | Cara Murray, 6/31 |
Ireland’s 180 proved more than enough on a challenging batting surface. Their innings was built around Orla Prendergast’s 41, while the lower order added valuable runs to take the total to 180. Zimbabwe struggled to build partnerships during the chase and were dismissed for 99.
Complete Match Summary and Final Result
Ireland Women won the toss and their batting effort eventually produced a defendable total of 180. The innings was not dominated by one huge score, but several contributions helped Ireland recover from a difficult start.
Prendergast top-scored with 41 from 67 balls. Leah Paul added 27, while Georgina Dempsey, Ava Canning and Jane Maguire provided useful runs down the order.
Zimbabwe’s chase never developed momentum. Mary-Anne Musonda scored 23 and Ashley Ndiraya made 25, but Ireland repeatedly broke partnerships. Cara Murray then completed a six-wicket haul as Zimbabwe collapsed to 99 in 30.5 overs.
Final result: Ireland Women won by 81 runs.
Toss Result and Playing XI
The available scorecard confirms the players who appeared in the match. The published scorecard does not clearly expose the toss decision in the sources checked, so it is better not to state the toss winner without verification.
Ireland Women: Leah Paul, Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Rebecca Stokell, Arlene Kelly, Georgina Dempsey, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire.
Zimbabwe Women: Chiedza Dhururu, Pellagia Mujaji, Mary-Anne Musonda, Ashley Ndiraya, Kelis Ndlovu, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Precious Marange, Nomvelo Sibanda, Michelle Mavunga, Lindokuhle Mabhera.
First Innings Batting Performance
Ireland Women were bowled out for 180 in 48.1 overs.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leah Paul | 27 | 46 | 3 | 0 | 58.70 |
| Gaby Lewis | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 160.00 |
| Amy Hunter | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 11.11 |
| Orla Prendergast | 41 | 67 | 4 | 0 | 61.19 |
| Laura Delany | 12 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 54.55 |
| Rebecca Stokell | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 71.43 |
| Arlene Kelly | 11 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 64.71 |
| Georgina Dempsey | 16 | 46 | 0 | 0 | 34.78 |
| Ava Canning | 15 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 53.57 |
| Cara Murray | 12* | 22 | 1 | 0 | 54.55 |
| Jane Maguire | 10 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 47.62 |
| Extras | 22 | ||||
| Total | 180 | 48.1 ov |
Prendergast’s 41 was the innings’ highest individual score. Ireland’s ability to keep adding runs after losing wickets was particularly important because no other batter reached 30.
Second Innings Batting Performance
Zimbabwe Women were dismissed for 99 in 30.5 overs.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiedza Dhururu | 11 | 43 | 2 | 0 | 25.58 |
| Pellagia Mujaji | 5 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 55.56 |
| Mary-Anne Musonda | 23 | 52 | 4 | 0 | 44.23 |
| Ashley Ndiraya | 25 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 71.43 |
| Kelis Ndlovu | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20.00 |
| Loreen Tshuma | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20.00 |
| Nyasha Gwanzura | 10 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 83.33 |
| Precious Marange | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Nomvelo Sibanda | 6 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Michelle Mavunga | 1* | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.67 |
| Lindokuhle Mabhera | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | 11 | ||||
| Total | 99 | 30.5 ov |
Zimbabwe’s top scorer was Ndiraya with 25, followed by Musonda with 23. Once those contributions were removed, Zimbabwe’s batting order had very little resistance left.
Full Batting Scorecard and Individual Scores
Ireland’s innings featured 22 extras, which helped push the total toward 180 despite the absence of a major individual score. Prendergast’s 41 was followed by Paul’s 27 and Dempsey’s 16.
Zimbabwe struggled even more for sustained contributions. Musonda and Ndiraya were the only batters to pass 20, while six Zimbabwe batters scored five or fewer runs.
The contrast was significant: Ireland had multiple players capable of adding useful runs, whereas Zimbabwe’s innings became increasingly dependent on a small number of batters.
Bowling Figures and Best Bowling Performances
Zimbabwe Women Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomvelo Sibanda | 5 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 3.20 |
| Michelle Mavunga | 5 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 4.80 |
| Precious Marange | 10 | 1 | 35 | 2 | 3.50 |
| Kelis Ndlovu | 10 | 2 | 34 | 1 | 3.40 |
| Lindokuhle Mabhera | 8 | 0 | 31 | 2 | 3.87 |
| Loreen Tshuma | 9 | 0 | 27 | 2 | 3.00 |
| Ashley Ndiraya | 1.1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2.57 |
Zimbabwe shared the wickets reasonably well, with Marange, Mabhera and Tshuma taking two each. However, Ireland’s lower-order resistance prevented Zimbabwe from finishing the innings earlier.
Ireland Women Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jane Maguire | 5 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 2.60 |
| Ava Canning | 5 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 1.60 |
| Arlene Kelly | 4 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 3.25 |
| Georgina Dempsey | 3 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 3.33 |
| Laura Delany | 7 | 0 | 21 | 1 | 3.00 |
| Cara Murray | 6.5 | 0 | 31 | 6 | 4.53 |
Cara Murray was the decisive bowler. Her 6/31 accounted for six of Zimbabwe’s wickets and earned her Player of the Match recognition.
Fall of Wickets and Important Partnerships
Ireland Women
| Wicket | Score | Batter |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 14 | Gaby Lewis |
| 2nd | 17 | Amy Hunter |
| 3rd | 63 | Leah Paul |
| 4th | 86 | Laura Delany |
| 5th | 103 | Rebecca Stokell |
| 6th | 103 | Orla Prendergast |
| 7th | 123 | Arlene Kelly |
| 8th | 154 | Georgina Dempsey |
| 9th | 159 | Ava Canning |
| 10th | 180 | Jane Maguire |
Ireland lost two early wickets for just 17, creating pressure on the middle order. Prendergast then helped stabilize the innings before the lower order pushed the total toward 180.
Zimbabwe Women
| Wicket | Score | Batter |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Pellagia Mujaji |
| 2nd | 28 | Chiedza Dhururu |
| 3rd | 59 | Mary-Anne Musonda |
| 4th | 67 | Kelis Ndlovu |
| 5th | 69 | Loreen Tshuma |
| 6th | 77 | Ashley Ndiraya |
| 7th | 89 | Precious Marange |
| 8th | 95 | Nyasha Gwanzura |
| 9th | 99 | Nomvelo Sibanda |
| 10th | 99 | Lindokuhle Mabhera |
Zimbabwe’s wickets fell regularly, preventing any meaningful recovery. The final five wickets disappeared for only 22 runs, with Murray responsible for most of the damage.
Powerplay, Middle Overs and Death Overs Analysis
Ireland’s early overs: Ireland lost Lewis and Hunter quickly, leaving the side 17/2. Paul and Prendergast then rebuilt the innings.
Middle overs: Prendergast became the key stabilizer, scoring 41 from 67 deliveries. Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept the scoring rate under control, but Ireland continued to accumulate runs.
Closing overs: Ireland’s lower order helped take the total to 180. The extra 22 runs were also significant in a relatively low-scoring ODI.
Zimbabwe’s chase: Zimbabwe’s innings never developed the sustained partnerships needed for a successful chase. Once Murray entered the attack and began removing batters, the innings rapidly lost momentum.
Top Performers From Both Teams
| Team | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland Women | Cara Murray | 6/31 |
| Ireland Women | Orla Prendergast | 41 runs |
| Ireland Women | Leah Paul | 27 runs |
| Zimbabwe Women | Ashley Ndiraya | 25 runs |
| Zimbabwe Women | Mary-Anne Musonda | 23 runs |
| Zimbabwe Women | Precious Marange | 2/35 |
Cara Murray was the clear match-winning performer. Her six wickets dismantled Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order and ensured Ireland could defend their modest total comfortably.
Key Match Statistics and Records
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Ireland total | 180 |
| Zimbabwe total | 99 |
| Winning margin | 81 runs |
| Ireland overs | 48.1 |
| Zimbabwe overs | 30.5 |
| Ireland top scorer | Orla Prendergast, 41 |
| Zimbabwe top scorer | Ashley Ndiraya, 25 |
| Ireland best bowler | Cara Murray, 6/31 |
| Zimbabwe best bowling returns | 2 wickets each by Marange, Mabhera and Tshuma |
| Player of the Match | Cara Murray |
The 81-run victory demonstrated how Ireland’s bowling unit transformed a moderate batting total into a convincing win. The most significant individual statistic was Murray’s six-wicket haul.
Turning Points That Changed the Match
Ireland’s recovery after 17/2: Losing two wickets early could have resulted in a much smaller total. Instead, Ireland rebuilt through the middle order.
Prendergast’s 41: Her innings provided the stability Ireland needed during a difficult batting phase.
Zimbabwe’s collapse after 59/3: Once Musonda departed, Zimbabwe struggled to maintain a partnership and lost wickets at regular intervals.
Murray’s six-wicket haul: Murray turned Zimbabwe’s difficult chase into a collapse, taking six wickets for 31 runs.
Captaincy Decisions and Tactical Analysis
Ireland’s strategy was based on creating pressure through disciplined bowling rather than relying exclusively on defending a large total. Canning was particularly economical, conceding only eight runs from five overs and taking one wicket.
Delany also contributed with seven overs for 21 runs and a wicket. The key tactical move was the use of Cara Murray to attack Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order. Her six wickets confirmed the effectiveness of Ireland’s spin-led approach.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers performed competitively during Ireland’s innings, but the batting side could not capitalize on that bowling effort. The biggest difference between the teams was therefore their ability to build and protect partnerships.
How the Winning Team Secured Victory
Ireland secured the victory through three main factors:
- Prendergast and the middle order stabilized the innings after the early wickets.
- The lower order added important runs, allowing Ireland to reach 180.
- The bowling attack consistently removed Zimbabwe’s batters, with Murray producing the decisive six-wicket spell.
Zimbabwe reached only 99, meaning Ireland’s 180 gave them a 81-run cushion. The decisive moment came when Murray dismantled the Zimbabwe batting order, completing figures of 6/31.
Overall, this was a strong example of Ireland winning through collective performance rather than one dominant batting innings. The 81-run result was ultimately built on resilience with the bat and outstanding bowling with the ball.
Final Thoughts
Ireland Women and Zimbabwe Women have continued to provide useful opportunities for fans to follow emerging talent and experienced international players. A detailed scorecard goes beyond the final result by showing which batters built the innings, which bowlers created pressure and where the match changed direction. For readers searching for the complete match picture, batting numbers, bowling performances and key moments provide the most useful information in one place.
FAQs
1. Who won the Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women first ODI?
Ireland Women won the first ODI by 97 runs, after scoring 288/9 and restricting Zimbabwe Women to 191.
2. What was Ireland Women’s score in the first ODI?
Ireland Women scored 288/9 in 50 overs in the first ODI at Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.
3. Who was Ireland Women’s top scorer in the first ODI?
Sarah Forbes scored 54 runs from 78 balls, while Gaby Lewis made 51 and Orla Prendergast scored 50.
4. What happened in the second ODI?
Zimbabwe Women were bowled out for 178 in 49.1 overs, after which Ireland Women chased the target and won by four wickets.
5. Where can fans find the full scorecard?
A detailed scorecard is available through major cricket scorecard platforms, including Sky Sports cricket scorecards and Cricbuzz scorecards.
