Ireland go down by 49 runs in opening ODI against Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett hit a superb 169 to steer Zimbabwe to a 49-run victory over Ireland in the first One Day International in Harare.

The 21-year-old played the role of opener for the first time in ODI cricket and did not disappoint as he became the fourth-youngest player to hit a score of 150-plus in the format.

Bennett survived almost the whole of the Zimbabwe innings before he was dismissed by Mark Adair in the final over but the damage was already done as the hosts set Ireland a target of 300 for victory.

Zimbabwe were ruthless with the bat as a first-wicket stand of 95 between Bennett and Ben Curran was then followed with 136 in 134 balls for the second wicket when Craig Ervine (66) came to the crease.

Not to be at Harare Sports Club in the first game of the three-match ODI series. Next match is on Sunday - join us then!

Scorecard https://t.co/gfezJFDCQF

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