Andy McBrine played a key role in both batting and bowling as Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by four wickets in a one-off Test match in Belfast on Sunday. Ireland overcame a dramatic early collapse to secure the win.
Chasing just 158 to win, Ireland struggled initially, ending the third day at 33-5, with Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava taking four wickets for 12 runs in just four overs.
However, on the fourth day, Ireland lost only one more wicket. Lorcan Tucker and McBrine, who scored an unbeaten 55, steadied the ship after Ireland had collapsed to 21-5. They added 96 runs for the sixth wicket before Tucker was dismissed with Ireland still needing 41 runs.
Mark Adair, who is from nearby Holywood, scored 24 not out and hit the winning boundary, taking Ireland to 158-6 and securing victory with more than a day to spare.
McBrine was named player of the match for his excellent performance, taking a combined 7-75 across Zimbabwe’s two innings.
“McBrine is the player you want in your team,” said Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie. “Exceptionally skillful and deserved the award today.”
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This win marked Ireland’s first home victory in Test cricket and their second consecutive win after beating Afghanistan in March.
“We believed we could win,” said Balbirnie. “That partnership was special, and it was fitting for Mark, a hometown boy, to get us over the line.”
This match was the first Test held in Northern Ireland and the second in Ireland after Malahide, making it the 123rd Test venue in history.
“Growing up, I never thought there’d be a Test here,” said McBrine, who is from Donemana in Northern Ireland. “We tried to stay positive.”
McBrine also credited Ireland’s fast bowlers for their support. “It wasn’t an easy wicket to bowl on, but their rotation allowed me to take wickets.”
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine reflected on the missed opportunity when Ireland was struggling at 33-5. “We needed five or six more overs last night,” he said. “Our games against Ireland are always competitive.”
