Paul Stirling’s century guided Ireland to victory in the 3rd T20I against Zimbabwe.© Twitter
Paul Stirling’s maiden Twenty20 international century inspired Ireland’s 40-run win against Zimbabwe as the hosts moved 2-1 up in their five-match series on Wednesday. Ireland opener Stirling hit 115 not out in his team’s total of 178 for two. His 75-ball knock featured eight fours and eight sixes. Zimbabwe were dismissed for 138 to give Ireland a convincing victory. Stirling reached his fifty at a strike rate of only just better than a run-a-ball, but moved through the gears during the final few overs.
He motored from 52 off 47 to his century in the space of 23 balls, with three maximums off a Tendai Chatara over costing 25 runs bringing up his three figures.
In the process, Stirling became only the second player after Kevin O’Brien to score a hundred for Ireland in the format having previously been dismissed twice in the 90s.
Zimbabwe lost early wickets in their chase as Mark Adair took three for 11.
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The tourists were all out with 10 balls of their innings left despite the best efforts of captain Craig Ervine, who top-scored with 33.
The two sides will meet again in Bready for the fourth match of the series on Thursday.
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