Zim U19 Eye Clean Sweep After Ireland Set Target

Zim Now Reporter

Takashinga Cricket Club hosted another gripping encounter in the Youth One-Day International series, as Zimbabwe Under-19s aim for a commanding series whitewash against Ireland Under-19s.

Leading the five-match series 3-0, Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first under clear skies in Harare.

Ireland’s innings began cautiously, with Zimbabwean bowlers maintaining disciplined lines to keep early scoring in check. At the halfway point, the visitors were slightly under pressure at 94 for 4, with Adam Leckey on 15 not out and Sebastian Dijkstra newly arrived at the crease.

However, the duo mounted a well-paced recovery. Leckey anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64, while Dijkstra added a composed 48 not out. Together, they forged an unbroken 148-run fifth-wicket stand that lifted Ireland to a respectable 241 for 4 in their allotted 50 overs — their highest total of the series so far.

In reply, Zimbabwe’s opening pair, Leeroy Chiwaula and Rowyn Konson, stepped out needing 242 runs to clinch a 4-0 lead. With a formidable batting lineup featuring Brandon Ndiweni, Simbarashe Mudzengerere, and Ambitious Muduma still to come, Zimbabwe will be confident of chasing down the target and extending their dominance over the Irish side.