BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – It was a frustrating fourth day for Ireland in the Only Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, as rain repeatedly disrupted play on Sunday.

Despite the weather setbacks, Matthew Humphreys delivered an outstanding performance, claiming four wickets for just 41 runs from his 19 overs, including a remarkable 16-over spell on the trot.

The day began 20 minutes late due to damp conditions, with Zimbabwe resuming on 38/3, still trailing by 254 runs.

Trevor Gwandu was dismissed just five balls into the morning by Barry McCarthy, who clean-bowled him with a sensational delivery that sent the off-stump cartwheeling.

Rain then interrupted play for just under four hours, with Zimbabwe on 71/4.

Soon after play resumed, Ireland missed an opportunity when Andrew Balbirnie was unable to hold onto a sharp chance off Wessly Madhevere’s bat. Humphreys soon after dismissed Brian Bennett for 45, breaking what had been a potentially dangerous stand for 65.

The rain returned again for a short break just as Zimbabwe seemed to be gaining momentum, with a deficit of 148 runs and five wickets in hand.

Craig Young, who had looked uncomfortable while attempting to save a boundary, limped off just before the rain delay.

Upon resumption, Humphreys struck twice. First, he claimed a sharp return catch to dismiss Johnathan Campbell for 33, ending a promising 56-run partnership. He followed up by removing Nyasha Mayavo for eight, caught by Paul Stirling at first slip.

Bad light halted play at 5:48 p.m., with Zimbabwe on 183/7 after 68 overs, trailing by 109 runs. Madhevere remained unbeaten on 61, fighting valiantly to steer his side back into contention, with Newman Nyamhuri on seven.

All in all, only 57 overs were possible on the day. An earlier start by 30 minutes is planned for Monday, with 98 overs scheduled, though more rain is expected.

Ireland simply need three wickets to pick up their third Test win in a row.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland v Zimbabwe, Only-Test in Zimbabwe, 6-10 February 2025
DAY FOUR (stumps)

Ireland 260 (56.4 overs; A McBrine 90*; B Muzarabani 7-58)
Zimbabwe 267 (86.1 overs; N Welch 90; B McCarthy 4-75)
Ireland 298 (93.3 overs; A Balbirnie 66; R Ngarava 4-55)                                                                                  Zimbabwe 183-7 (68 overs; W Madhevere 61*; M Humphreys 4-41)

Zimbabwe need 109 runs for victory (Ireland require 3 wickets)

Scorecard here