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DUBLIN. — Kevin O’Brien scored his first T20I half-century since October 2019, and first in 20 innings, to help Ireland square the five-match series with Zimbabwe one-all. 

O’Brien and Paul Stirling put on an opening partnership of 59 to put Ireland on track to win. 

George Dockrell’s 33 off 26 ensured they pulled off their seventh successful chase of a total of 150-plus. 

Zimbabwe will be disappointed with their effort in the field, especially after their bowlers defended 117 three days ago and because they had more to work with. 

On a surface where 140 was considered a par score, Zimbabwe posted 152, thanks largely to a strong lower-order stand. 

Milton Shumba and Ryan Burl put on an unbeaten 88 runs in 59 balls, Zimbabwe’s highest for the sixth wicket or lower, helping them recover from 64 for 5. 

In the end, though, the early wickets cost them. 

Ireland had wickets in hand throughout their chase. 

They needed a run-a-ball off the last two overs, much like they did in the first T20I, but this time they cruised to victory with nine balls to spare. 

Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a much better start than the first match until Shane Getkate entered the fray. 

On a surface with a little more bounce than Friday’s, Getkate’s short ball took Wessley Madhevere by surprise and he top-edged a pull to wicketkeeper Neil Rock. 

In the next over, a piece of exceptional fielding from Harry Tector, who picked up and threw in one move from long-on, saw Tadiwanashe Marumani run out from a direct hit to leave Zimbabwe 39 for 2 after the PowerPlay. 

Scores

Ireland 153 for 3 (O’Brien 60) beat Zimbabwe 152 for 5 (Shumba 46*, Getkate 3-20) by seven wickets – Cricinfo