IRE VS ZIM - 3rd ODI, Zimbabwe tour of Ireland, 2021

The start-stop affair today pretty much mimicked the career that Brendan Taylor has had. He was always the blue-eyed boy when he started off. And had some glorious moments of brilliance at the top-level. Remember the 60 off 45 when he played the protagonist to Australia's dismay during the 2007 T20 WC. Year 2015 saw some terrific batting from the former skipper as he stacked up big scores during the World Cup. But a Kolpak deal came his way and he grabbed it. Came back in 2017 but Zimbabwe couldn't qualify for the 2019 WC. Since then, it must have been a lot of contemplation and it has borne fruits today in the form of retirement. He achieved a lot playing for a team which has been on a downward curve for some years now. He tried his best to give it a facelift. Rejoice the man and his achievements. On that note, this is Kumar Abhisekh Das signing off on behalf of Vineet Anantharaman and Harish!

Zimbabwe had a shot at some vital points and a rare away series win but they have frittered it away. Their batters lacked application and allowed Ireland to bowl them out for 131. Pace and spin seemed alike as both managed to trouble the visitors. Only rain threatened Ireland, who grabbed the Super League points by chasing it down in 23 overs after a few rain interruptions during the chase. The game however had an undertone of nostalgia. 

Andrew Balbirnie | Ireland captain: We bowled and fielded really well. Our spinners bowled with great control. Losing Craig [Young] during warm-ups wasn't great. Pretty kind of Zimbabwe to allow us the change after the toss.

William Porterfield | Man of the series: Nice couple of months, I have been in good touch. Few runs have come along. Feel nice to contribute. Feels satisfying when you can build a platform batting at the top-order. We graft well at the top. Three big games and only 10 points but glad we have some points back.

Craig Ervine | Zimbabwe captain: Little bit disappointing. We lost wickets at regular intervals and never built any platform. It was a disappointing game for us. Ireland had more pressure on them but they turned up well. We would have been happy with a series win. Disappointing end. He [Brendan Taylor] has been a huge ambassador for the game and the country. It will be a great loss for our team. I wish him well for his future.

Andy McBrine | Player of the match: We got some turn. Today was my day. I didn't hear anything on the second one but glad we took the review. Craig Young pulled up during warm-ups but we did well post that. Simi [Singh] did well in the middle overs as well.

18:46 Local Time, 17:46 GMT, 23:16 IST: All those warm hugs for Brendan Taylor. The rain came along, tried to play spoilsport but we have had a result. Not the way, Taylor would have wanted to end though. But that is how it is. Zimbabwe suffered a batting collapse in a rain-affected game. And after a couple of rain breaks, Ireland were set 118 in 32 overs. Stirling played well at the top and Balbirnie gave him solid company to ensure Ireland finished off the chase in the 23rd over. The result of the game never looked in doubt barring the rain after the first innings from Zimbabwe, who imploded to be bowled out for 131. Crucial Super League points for the hosts who were trailing 0-1 coming into the game. Hang on for the presentations.

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, 1 run, flattish ball outside off and has been pushed away into the off-side for a single. Ireland win by 7 wickets

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, FOUR, and they are level now! A rank long hop and Harry Tector climbs on to it to pull it away to deep mid for a four

W Masakadza to Dockrell, no run, hops up and defends it out into the off-side

W Masakadza to Dockrell, no run, defends it off the front foot

George Dockrell, right handed bat, comes to the crease

W Masakadza to Balbirnie, out Caught by Ervine!! Ah ah! That's a soft and tame dismissal. Pushes too hard at it and chips it to the man at cover. That was a loose shot. Just played the shot too early to depart. Ireland trying to finish it off a bit too quickly and have lost a couple in the process. Won't really bother them much. Balbirnie c Ervine b W Masakadza 34(43) [4s-5]

W Masakadza to Balbirnie, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

W Masakadza to Balbirnie, FOUR, top-edge on the sweep and it manages to beat the dive from the man at deep backward square. That was well looped up, Balbirnie went for the slog sweep and got it off the top-edge. The short fine was there and it went well over him

W Masakadza to Balbirnie, no run, punches the ball away off the back foot and finds point

W Masakadza to Balbirnie, no run, push drives the ball away into the off-side

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, no run, flattish delivery and has been pushed into the covers for a single

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, no run, stays back and tucks the ball away off the pads to find mid-wicket

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, no run, throws his bat at a wide one outside off and Harry Tector gets beaten