The Zimbabwe Under-19 men’s team made a winning start to their five-match youth one-day international series against the Ireland Under-19 side, securing a four-wicket victory at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
A composed, unbeaten 48 from Brandon Ndiweni guided the hosts to their target with five overs to spare.
After winning the toss and electing to field, the Zimbabwe Under-19s found themselves on the back foot early on as the visiting team’s Freddie Ogilby (69) and Adam Leckey (66) put on a commanding 114-run partnership for the second wicket.
Ogilby, who struck nine fours and a six in his 80-ball knock, was eventually dismissed in dramatic fashion – caught by Kian Blignaut off the bowling of his brother Michael while attempting a slog-sweep over cow corner.
Leckey, having faced 77 balls and hit five fours and two sixes, was bowled by Shelton Mazvitorera soon after.
The Zimbabwean bowlers then staged a strong fightback, with Mazvitorera effecting a brilliant run-out to send Sebastian Dijkstra back without scoring, reducing the Ireland Under-19s to 175 for four in the 35th over.
Wickets continued to tumble as Sebastian Yeates (17), Robert O’Brien (16) and Febin Manoj (13) made brief contributions before the visitors were bowled out for 236 in 47.4 overs.
Panashe Mazai led the attack with impressive figures of three for 29 in seven overs, while Tatenda Chimugoro also claimed three wickets, conceding 47 runs in nine overs.
The Zimbabwe Under-19s’ chase began on a shaky note as Dhruv Patel departed without scoring in the first over.
However, a 55-run stand between Kupakwashe Muradzi (31) and Kian Blignaut (18) steadied the innings before both fell in quick succession, leaving the hosts at 60 for three in the 14th over.
Tatenda Banda and Brandon Senzere then rebuilt the innings with a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Senzere impressed with a fluent 43 off 41 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes, before falling in the 26th over.
Simbarashe Mudzengere added a valuable 21 off 21 balls, setting the stage for a crucial 62-run stand between Banda and Ndiweni that took the home side within touching distance of victory.
When Banda was bowled for 45 off 85 deliveries, the Zimbabwe Under-19s still needed 21 runs from 42 balls.
Ndiweni, showing great maturity, ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 48 from 44 balls, with one six and four boundaries.
Chimugoro, who blasted two fours to finish on eight not out, supported him in completing the chase, as the Zimbabwe Under-19s reached 237 for six in 45 overs.
For the Irish, Reuben Wilson and Manoj were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets apiece.
The teams will face off again in the second match of the series at the same venue on Saturday.