Mark Adair takes 4-23 as Ireland beat Zimbabwe by 64 runs in their fourth T20 international to take an unassailable 3-1 series lead with one game to spare; Kevin O'Brien (47 off 39 balls) and Paul Stirling (39 off 33) impress with the bat for the hosts
Thursday 2 September 2021 20:18, UK
Mark Adair claimed 4-23 as Ireland hammered Zimbabwe by 64 runs in their fourth T20 international to clinch a series win with one game to spare.
After Ireland were put in, Kevin O'Brien (47 off 39 balls) and Paul Stirling (39 off 33) put on 89 in 10.1 overs for the first wicket, and Andy Balbirnie then smashed a 22-ball 36 as the home side posted a score of 174-4.
It would prove to be a formidable target, as Adair accounted for Tadiwanashe Marumani (4), Regis Chakabva (11) and Dion Myers (4) all inside the opening four overs of the Zimbabwe chase.
Two overs later, Craig Young made it 30-4 by dismissing Wessley Madhevere for 6 and Zimbabwe could never recover.
Captain Craig Ervine managed 28 from 30 balls and Luke Jongwe an unbeaten 24 with the tail as the visitors ultimately limped to 110-9 from their 20 overs.
It means Ireland now hold an unassailable 3-1 lead heading into the fifth and final game of the series, which takes place on Saturday. The two teams will then clash in a three-match ODI series before Zimbabwe travel north to take on Scotland.
