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HARARE – Ben Curran struck a one-day worldwide profession finest 118 on Tuesday to steer Zimbabwe to a nine-wicket overcome Ireland in Harare, and a 2-1 sequence victory.
The son of former Zimbabwe cricketer Kevin Curran and brother of England internationals Tom and Sam Curran confronted 112 balls, and his knock included 14 fours.
Curran couldn’t conceal his pleasure after the innings as he turned the primary participant in Curran household to attain a century in worldwide cricket.
It was a dramatic enchancment in kind by the 28-year-old, whose earlier highest ODI rating was 28 runs.
He reached his maiden century from the third ball of the thirty sixth over, hitting offspinner Andy McBrine for 4.
Replying to 240-6 by Ireland, Zimbabwe reached 246-1 with 63 balls to spare at Harare Sports Club, the place rain delayed play for half-hour through the afternoon.
“Congratulations to Ben for a magnificent innings. I have sensed for some time that we were going to put on a performance like this,” mentioned Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine.
“I have said many times that there is a lot of talent in this squad. Beating Ireland by nine wickets proves that.”
Curran and opening accomplice Brian Bennett (48) placed on 126 for the opening wicket earlier than the latter was trapped leg earlier than by Graham Hume when trying to flick the ball by way of midwicket.
Ervine then joined Curran within the run chase and excelled, hitting 69 off 59 deliveries, together with three sixes and 5 fours, because the pair added 122 runs.
The win was an enormous aid for Zimbabwe, who not too long ago suffered white-ball sequence losses at house to each Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Ireland, who started the ODI sequence contemporary from a 63-run victory over Zimbabwe in a one-off take a look at, suffered an early batting blow when captain Paul Stirling departed for 9.
Looking to slam a Richard Ngarava supply over the covers, the skipper looped it straight to Johnathan Campbell.
Curtis Campher was subsequent to fall cheaply, out for 11, earlier than Andy Balbirnie (64) and Harry Tector (51) placed on 86 runs for the third wicket in probably the most worthwhile Irish partnership.
A poorly timed ball struck to midwicket spelt the top for Balbirnie, and Tector paid the value for a reckless shot.
Wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker (61) was the third Ireland batter to attain a half-century. His innings ended with the bails flying after a wild swing.
Brief Scores
Ireland 240 (A. Balbirnie 64, L. Tucker 61, H. Tector 51; R. Ngarava 2-42, T. Gwandu 2-44) v Zimbabwe 246-1 (B. Curran 118 not out, C. Ervine 69 not out, B. Bennett 48)