Zimbabwe-Ireland T20 Called Off Due to Rain

The first Twenty20 international between Zimbabwe and Ireland was abandoned on Saturday due to rain, with the hosts scoring 77-5 in a match reduced to nine overs-a-side.

Ryan Burl hit 36 for Zimbabwe, including three sixes and two fours before Harry Tector grabbed a fantastic catch at long-on off a short Josh Little ball.

Quick bowler Little (2-8) and medium-pacer Craig Young (2-15) shared the Irish bowling honours at Harare Sports Club.

Rain delayed the start of the first of three matches by 135 minutes, but it returned before Ireland could bat.

The teams will face off again on Sunday and Tuesday in the last leg of an all-format tour. Ireland won a one-off test, and Zimbabwe won a one-day international series 2-1.

Brief scores

Zimbabwe 77-5 (R. Burl 36; J. Little 2-8, C. Young 2-15) v Ireland. Reduced to a nine-over match after a rain-delayed start. More rain after Zimbabwe’s innings forced the match to be abandoned