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BULAWAYO – Spinner Matthew Humphreys took 4 wickets as Ireland lowered Zimbabwe to 183 for seven on a rain-hit fourth day on Sunday, leaving them well-poised for victory within the one-off Test in Bulawayo.
He shared the person honours with Zimbabwe all-rounder Wessly Madhevere, who struck his first half-century in Test cricket and was unbeaten on 61 on the shut.
More than 4 hours have been misplaced resulting from two rain interruptions earlier than unhealthy gentle stopped play 12 minutes forward of schedule.
Zimbabwe want 109 runs to win on the ultimate day, with a forecast of scattered thunderstorms once more threatening to limit play.
Humphreys, 22, dismissed first-innings star Nick Welch for 5 late on Saturday and added the prize wickets of Brian Bennett (45) and Johnathan Campbell (33) on Sunday.
The left-arm spinner additionally claimed the wicket of Nyasha Mayavo (8) to complete with 4 for 41 on the Queens Sports Club.
His dismissal of Bennett ended a battling 65-run fifth-wicket partnership with Madhevere. A thick edge proved the undoing of the Zimbabwean as wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker reacted sharply to make the catch.
Madhevere then mixed with Campbell so as to add 56 for the sixth wicket earlier than the stand-in captain drove a full toss firmly again at Humphreys, who reacted rapidly by protruding his left hand and clinging on to the catch.
Madhevere, who solely got here into the staff shortly earlier than the match started when skipper Craig Ervine withdrew for the start of his baby, performed an assured innings hanging seven fours in his undefeated 61 which got here from 147 deliveries.
It was a lovely change of fortunes for the 25-year-old, who has scored 87 runs on this match after geese in his three earlier Test innings.
After the Bulawayo Test, the groups journey north to Harare for 3 one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches.
Brief Scores
Ireland 260 and 298 v Zimbabwe 267 and 183-7 (W. Madhevere 61 not out, B. Bennett 45; M. Humphreys 4-41). Play interrupted twice by rain earlier than unhealthy gentle stopped play 12 minutes forward of scheduled end
Match scenario: Zimbabwe want 109 runs to win with three wickets standing
Toss: Ireland