Ben Curran’s century helps Zimbabwe defeat Ireland to win ODI series

Third one-day international, Harare

Ireland 240-6 (50 overs): Balbirnie 64, Tucker 61, Tector 51

Zimbabwe 246-1 (39.3 overs): Curran 118*, Ervine 69*, Bennett 48

Zimbabwe win by nine wickets

Zimbabwe won the one-day international series in Harare 2-1 after defeating Ireland by nine wickets thanks to a century from Ben Curran.

Opening batsman Curran, who is the brother of England internationals Sam and Tom, was in the crease all of his side’s innings and recorded a 118-run not-out from 130 balls.

It is Curran’s first international century since making his debut for Zimbabwe, who he qualifies to play for via his dad, last December.

Ireland made 240-6 off their 50 overs with Andrew Balbirnie (64), Lorcan Tucker (61) and Harry Tector (51) all reaching half-centuries.

Ireland’s top-scorer Balbirnie, and Tector, built an 86-run partnership for the third wicket while Tucker and Mark Adair, who finished 26 not out, put on 67 for the sixth wicket.

Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts with 2-42 and 2-44 respectively.

In response, Zimbabwe reached their target off 39.3 overs to complete a comfortable victory.

Brian Bennett smashed 48 off 48 balls before falling lbw to Graham Hume, who turned out to be Ireland’s sole wicket-taker.

The Zimbabweans were then 124-1 in the 20th over, and Curran’s partnership with Craig Ervine (39*) helped them clinch the victory.

Before Ireland brought the series to a six-wicket victory on Sunday, Zimbabwe had won the first game by 49 runs.

The sides will now contest a three-match T20 series, beginning on Saturday, with further matches on Sunday and Tuesday to conclude Ireland’s tour.

Ross Adair, who was ruled out with a calf injury on Monday, will miss those three games.