Gabby Lewis stars as tourists win in rain-hit Harare ODI opener

Gabby Lewis’ unbeaten 65 gave Ireland a 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe in a rain-affected opening match of the one-day international series in Harare.

Zimbabwe’s innings was reduced to 44 overs but they were dismissed at 170 with 42.5 overs.

Ashley Ndiraya hit 47 before becoming one of Carla Murray’s three victims.

Thanks to Laing, Ireland reduced the target to 109 in 21 overs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, with Amy Hunter also reaching the mark in an unbeaten 36 in 13.1 overs.

Lewis hit 11 fours and one six to reach his eighth ODI fifty.

Winning the toss, Ireland brought on the hosts and the decision proved to be the right one as Freya Sargent joined Murray to pick up three wickets and post career-best ODI figures of 3 wins and 29 losses.

Eva Canning (2-19), Arlene Kelly (1-22) and skipper Laura Delaney (1-15) also bowled impressively, with Hunter being dismissed for two stumpings and a fine catch. Nyasha Gwanzura, who scored , continued to do a good job with the gloves since taking over from Hunter. Mary Waldron retired last year.

Ndiraya top-scored for the hosts, but received little support as wickets fell regularly.

With Zimbabwe all out at 170, Sargent took the third wicket by bowling with Michelle Mabunga as heavy rain continued to fall.

In the chasing match, Hunter played the anchor role and Lewis became the attacker, with the tourists leading 1-0 in the three-match series.

“I knew it was going to be a little better than usual because I spent a few days in the conditions,” said Ruiz, the Most Valuable Player.

“We stuck to our plan to play naturally and go into the game.

“The bowling was really good today. They bought into it and it was a great start for us.”

The teams will meet again at the same venue on Sunday and Tuesday, with the first leg of the five-game Twenty20 series taking place on January 26.