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[Saba Sports News] In her 50th international appearance, Amy Hunter shone at the Harare Sports Club, scoring an unbeaten 77* to lead Ireland Women to a 2-0 lead in the T20I series with a 42-run win over Zimbabwe. Hunter’s innings, featuring six fours and two sixes, built on her 101* from the first match. Ireland set a formidable total of 172-3, thanks in part to Hunter’s performance and captain Laura Delany’s exceptional T20I bowling figures of 4-12, which held Zimbabwe to 130-8.
Ireland made a lineup change due to Sophie MacMahon’s knee injury, bringing in Freya Sargent. Zimbabwe also saw a change, with 15-year-old Christina Mutasa debuting, replacing Ashley Ndiraya. The opening Irish pair of Gaby Lewis and Hunter started cautiously but eventually put up a 94-run stand before Lewis (44) was bowled by Lindokuhle Mabhera. Ireland capitalized on Zimbabwe’s fielding errors, with Hunter reaching her fifty in 36 balls and Orla Prendergast adding a rapid 37 off 17 balls.
Zimbabwe’s response was aggressive, but their momentum was disrupted when Ava Canning dismissed captain Mary-Ann Musonda. The hosts slowed down to 67-1 at the halfway mark. Despite Pellagia Mujaji’s 31, Ireland took control in the 14th over with Delany’s impactful bowling. Delany’s performance, highlighted by a stunning catch from Arlene Kelly, secured Ireland’s comfortable win.
The third match of the five-match series is scheduled for Tuesday, 30 January, at the same venue.
Zimbabwe Women vs. Ireland Women, 2nd T20 International, Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, 28 January 2024.