NEW DELHI: Ben Curran struck a career-best 118* to lead Zimbabwe to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Ireland in Harare on Tuesday, sealing a 2-1 series triumph.
The 28-year-old, son of former Zimbabwe cricketer Kevin Curran and brother of England internationals Tom and Sam Curran, showcased a remarkable turnaround in form.
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Facing 112 balls, his unbeaten knock included 14 fours, making him the first Curran family member to score an international century. His previous highest ODI score was just 28.
Curran reached his maiden century in the 36th over, driving off-spinner Andy McBrine for a boundary. Zimbabwe comfortably chased down Ireland’s 240/6, finishing at 246/1 with 63 balls to spare, despite a brief 30-minute rain delay.
"Congratulations to Ben for a magnificent innings. I had a feeling we were due for a performance like this," said Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine. "There is a lot of talent in this squad, and this win proves that."
Opening with Brian Bennett (48), Curran put on a solid 126-run stand before Bennett was trapped LBW by Graham Hume. Ervine then joined Curran, playing a blistering knock of 69 off 59 balls, including three sixes and five fours, adding an unbroken 122-run partnership to seal the victory.
The win was a morale booster for Zimbabwe, who had suffered home series defeats against Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Earlier, Ireland struggled after losing captain Paul Stirling for nine, caught at cover off Richard Ngarava. Curtis Campher (11) also fell cheaply before Andy Balbirnie (64) and Harry Tector (51) steadied the innings with an 86-run stand.
However, Balbirnie was dismissed after mistiming a shot to midwicket, and Tector fell soon after attempting an aggressive stroke. Wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker (61) was the third Irish batter to register a half-century, but his innings ended when he lost his stumps attempting a wild swing.
Zimbabwe’s dominant run chase ensured a convincing series victory, marking a significant resurgence for the hosts in white-ball cricket.
Brief scores
