The third match of
World T20 2014 was played on 17th March 2014 in between Ireland and Zimbabwe at Sylhet Stadium on Neutral Venue. The toss was won by Ireland and they chose to field in the first innings. Hamilton Masakadza and Sikandar Raza opened the batting for Zimbabwe. Steady scoring was evidenced right from the first ball. Hamilton delivered 3 fours and gave a strong opening and was supported by Raza. But then, the partnership did not last long. Then next batsman to come on pitch was Brendan Taylor. He contributed 59 runs in 46 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes with a strike rate of 128.26 before being ousted by a catch taken by Ed Joyce on George Dockrell’s over. The next batsmen didn’t stay on the pitch for long. By the end of 20 overs, with fall of 5 wickets, the team scored 163 runs.
Ireland blasted the balls from Zimbabwe bowlers as William Porterfield and Paul Stirling delivered 3 and 9 fours with 1 six each. While good batting came in, they both could not stay for long. Ed Joyce contributed another 22 runs from 28 balls. Then Andrew Poynter increased the scoreboard by 23 runs. While it was looking a sure win match for Ireland, Gary Wilson got dismissed on a duck. Then Kevin O’Brien got dismissed on 17 runs and Max Sorensen got dismissed by a run out on a duck. Still, persisting on the pitch,
Ireland ultimately won the match on the last ball with 2 wickets in hand.
Man of the match was given to Paul Stirling for excellent batting.