Ireland’s captain Gaby Lewis and leg-spinner Cara Murray starred in a dominant all-round performance as the hosts secured a 6-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the 1st T20I at Dublin, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
This historic white-ball bilateral series marks Zimbabwe Women’s first-ever tour of Ireland, which includes three T20Is and two ODIs between 20th and 28th July 2025.
Ireland handed an international debut to 19-year-old Lara McBride, while Zimbabwe gave a T20I debut to Tendai Makusha.
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano Anchors Zimbabwe to a Fighting Total
After winning the toss and opting to field first at Pembroke Cricket Club, Ireland got off to a dream start with Orla Prendergast dismissing Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa on the third ball of the match. Zimbabwe’s skipper Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano then joined Kelis Ndhlovu to rebuild the innings with a steady 37-run stand for the second wicket.
Lara McBride made her mark on debut, breaking the partnership by removing Ndhlovu (20 off 24 balls) in the eighth over. Despite regular breakthroughs, Zimbabwe posted a fighting 117/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to two key stands — 20 runs for the fourth wicket between Mugeri-Tiripano and Beloved Biza, and a 21-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Francisca Chipare and Mugeri-Tiripano.
Captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano top-scored with a gritty 42 off 50 deliveries, while Beloved Biza chipped in with 11 off 9 balls. No other batter reached double digits.
For Ireland, Cara Murray led the bowling charge with figures of 3/19 in her 4 overs, while Arlene Kelly (2/10) and Orla Prendergast (1/24) provided excellent support.
Skipper Gaby Lewis Steers Ireland to Comfortable Win
Chasing 118 for victory, Ireland openers Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis gave their side a solid start with a 39-run partnership. Kudzai Chigora struck in the seventh over to dismiss Hunter, followed by the wicket of Prendergast in the ninth, giving Zimbabwe a glimmer of hope.
However, Lewis found a reliable partner in Leah Paul, and together they added 48 brisk runs for the third wicket, taking Ireland closer to victory. Lewis was eventually dismissed by Loreen Tshuma in the 14th over after a commanding 67 off 49 balls, notching up her 14th T20I half-century.
Laura Delany (11 off 8 balls) and Leah Paul (11* off 15 balls) ensured there were no late hiccups as Ireland chased down the target with 6 wickets in hand and 19 balls to spare.
For Zimbabwe, Kudzai Chigora impressed with 2/18 in 3.5 overs. Francisca Chipare (1/19) and Loreen Tshuma (1/13) were the other wicket-takers.
Gaby Lewis was deservedly named Player of the Match for her match-winning innings, leading her side to a 1-0 lead in the series.
