Dominant Display: Ireland Women Thrash Zimbabwe Women in 2nd T20I
Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women – Highlights of Today’s Match
On 22 July 2025, the Ireland Women’s cricket team faced off against Zimbabwe Women in the second T20 International of their home series at Pembroke Cricket Club, Sandymount, Dublin. Ireland dominated yet again, winning by a commanding 65 runs to clinch the series with one match to spare.
Match Overview and Key Highlights
Match Summary
Ireland posted a towering total of 176/4 in their 20 overs, led by an outstanding unbeaten 87 off 50 balls from captain Gaby Lewis. Despite a strong start from Zimbabwe, they were restricted to 111 all out, with Ireland’s bowlers—particularly Cara Murray and Leah Paul—doing the bulk of the damage .
Player of the Match
Captain Gaby Lewis starred with the bat, shepherding Ireland’s innings with authority and finesse. Her explosive knock anchored the chase and propelled Ireland to a formidable total.
Bowling Performances
-
Cara Murray and Leah Paul spearheaded the bowling attack, keeping Zimbabwe under pressure and picking up crucial wickets to choke their chase.
-
Zimbabwe’s top-order made some early inroads but couldn’t sustain momentum in the face of disciplined bowling.
What This Means – Broader Context and Series Outlook
This commanding win gives Ireland a 2–0 lead in the three-match T20I series, effectively sealing victory before the final match. It underscores Ireland’s growing strength and depth, particularly in their home conditions.
Zimbabwe, despite a spirited effort, are yet to win in the T20 format in the tour. They now face elimination unless they bounce back strongly in the third and final T20I, scheduled for 23 July 2025 (Ireland won that too by 51 runs, sweeping the series 3–0).
Scorecard
| Team | Innings | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland Women | First | 176/4 | 20.0 | — |
| Zimbabwe Women | Reply | 111 all out | 20.0 | Lost by 65 runs |
Outcomes and Implications
1. Ireland’s dominance continues
Ireland has shown superior consistency across both batting and bowling in the first two matches. Gaby Lewis and Cara Murray continue to shine as pillars of the team.
2. Zimbabwe under pressure
Zimbabwe’s batting faltered in the chase, and their bowlers were unable to curb Ireland's scoring. They need a substantial performance in the final game to avoid a series whitewash.
3. Confidence boost for Ireland ahead of ODIs
With two ODIs still to come in the tour, Ireland will be buoyed by this dominant display. Their form comes at a crucial time in their 2025 season.
Top Performers – Second T20I (22 July 2025)
-
Gaby Lewis (Ireland) – 87* off 50 balls, captain’s knock to set up big total.
-
Cara Murray (Ireland) – Bagged key wickets, kept Zimbabwe on leash.
-
Leah Paul (Ireland) – Excellent control and timely breakthroughs.
-
Zimbabwe’s top-order – Showed early resistance but lacked partnership-building depth.
Final Thoughts
Ireland Women’s emphatic 65‑run win in the second T20I not only secured the series but highlighted the team’s depth in all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding. With the series now safely in the bag, they head into the final match and upcoming ODIs with confidence. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will look to regroup and salvage pride in the final T20 and the ODI series that follows.
