Zimbabwe delivered a commanding performance in the third ODI against Ireland at the Harare Sports Club, securing a nine-wicket victory to claim the three-match series 2-1. After restricting Ireland to 240/6 in their 50 overs, Zimbabwe chased down the target with ease, finishing at 246/1 in just 39.3 overs. Ben Curran’s magnificent century and Craig Ervine’s fluent knock led the hosts to a dominant win.
Ireland post a competitive total
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Ireland put up a steady but somewhat underwhelming total of 240/6. Andy Balbirnie anchored the innings with a patient 64 off 99 balls, while Harry Tector (51) and Lorcan Tucker (61) provided crucial contributions in the middle order. Mark Adair’s quickfire 26 towards the end helped Ireland cross the 240-run mark.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers executed their plans well, with Richard Ngarava (2/42) and Trevor Gwandu (2/44) leading the attack. Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring that Ireland never gained full momentum.
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Ben Curran’s century propels Zimbabwe to victory
In response, Zimbabwe’s top order made light work of the chase, courtesy of a stellar unbeaten century from Curran. The left-hander crafted a brilliant 118 off 130 balls, anchoring the innings with patience and precision. He found strong support from Brian Bennett (48 off 48) and Craig Ervine (69* off 59), who ensured the chase remained effortless.
The Irish bowlers struggled to make an impact, with only Graham Hume (1/39) managing to pick up a wicket. Zimbabwe’s batters capitalized on wayward bowling, punishing Ireland with fluent stroke play and calculated aggression.
With this emphatic victory, Zimbabwe clinched the series 2-1, bouncing back strongly after their defeat in the second ODI. Curran was rightfully named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Ben Curran named Player of the Match after his unbeaten 118* propelled Zimbabwe to a nine-wicket victory against Ireland. #ZIMvIRE #Travel&ExperienceZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/RnkeDiaowI
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 18, 2025
GOOSEBUMPS!!!!! What a boy!!!!!! So amazing!!!!!@curranjb_57 💯
— Sam Curran (@CurranSM) February 18, 2025
Bats like Sam, resembles Tom. Wonderful story that the last of the Curran family to enter international cricket, is the first of the to score an international century. Ben Curran has played a skillful and well paced knock that ushers Zimbabwe to an ODI series win over Ireland.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 18, 2025
Ben Curran becomes the first member of his family to score an International century, achieving this milestone after playing the fewest International matches among all four Currans… pic.twitter.com/pAFZtCiBeO
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) February 18, 2025
Ben’s moment! 💯🔥
The first Curran to hit an international ton! His unbeaten 118(130) powers Zimbabwe to a 9-wicket win! 🇿🇼👏 #ZIMvIRE pic.twitter.com/LB6ErUfFbq
— FanCode (@FanCode) February 18, 2025
BRIAN BENNETT – Player of the series.
BEN CURRAN – Player of the match. pic.twitter.com/aEA7oowldr
— Udit (@Merovaeous) February 18, 2025
Sam Curran used “Hukum Reloaded” Audio in His Instagram Story for His Brother Ben Curran’s Maiden International Century for Zimbabwe 💛 pic.twitter.com/1w1xNvjtpn
— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation) February 18, 2025
Sights and scenes for what will go down as a big moment in Zimbabwe’s cricketing history.
Ben Curran was the star of the show today. His first ODI century and the first Curran to score an ODI hundred despite being the last brother to enter the international cricket arena.… pic.twitter.com/yEdY0bVxGH
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) February 18, 2025
HISTORIC DAY FOR CURRAN FAMILY ❤️
– Ben Curran becomes the first Player from Curran family to score a Hundred in International cricket. pic.twitter.com/QonfoC5Xhy
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2025
Ben Curran has announced himself in the International arena.
First of the Currans to get an international century.
Kevin would’ve been so proud. pic.twitter.com/BNbizmcklI
— Sulay 🏏☘️ (@Sulay177) February 18, 2025
Also READ: All you need to know about Ben Curran – The brother of England stars Sam and Tom Curran
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