T20 World Cup: Ireland lose to Zimbabwe in opening match
ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Blundstone Arena, Hobart Zimbabwe 174-7 (20 overs): Raza 82 (48); Little 3-24 Ireland 143-9 (20 overs): Campher 27 (22); Muzarabani 3-23Zimbabwe won by 31 pointsScorecard; Table
Raza came to the crease with his side 37-3 on the power play, but hit 82 on 48 balls, before d being kicked off the last ball by Zimbabwe 174-7.
Ireland fell to 22-4 on 3.5 overs and never recovered, finishing well short on 143-9.
Scotland shocked two-time winners West Indies in the previous Group B game.
"I'm bitterly disappointed with how we started the competition, but it's a pretty shootout simple for us now," said Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie.
"We want to go out and play decent cricket but we have to be aware that Zimbabwe will play well as well and We have to counter that. There will definitely be learnings. In their first World Cup game since 2016, said: "We are delighted. To achieve such a performance in our first game back at a World Cup shows we belong here and it's a shame it's been so long since we last played in one."
Ireland face Scotland in their next game on Wednesday (05:00 BST), knowing they must win to keep hopes of progress alive West Indies must also do the same against Zimbabwe (09:00).
The first two teams in each group will qualify for the Super 12, which begins on October 22. The winner of Group A and the runners-up in Group B will face England.
Raza raises his hand but Ireland runs with the batAlthough West Indies failed to hunt earlier, Balbirnie decided he wanted to do the same in this game, and the Ireland I started well with the ball.
Left arm Josh Little, who impressed for Manchester Originals in The Hundred this summer, struck twice as Ireland continued their impressive power record.
Normally, teams that lose three wickets on the power play lose the game, but this stat does not take into account performances like those by Raza.
The right...
Raza came to the crease with his side 37-3 on the power play, but hit 82 on 48 balls, before d being kicked off the last ball by Zimbabwe 174-7.
Ireland fell to 22-4 on 3.5 overs and never recovered, finishing well short on 143-9.
Scotland shocked two-time winners West Indies in the previous Group B game.
"I'm bitterly disappointed with how we started the competition, but it's a pretty shootout simple for us now," said Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie.
"We want to go out and play decent cricket but we have to be aware that Zimbabwe will play well as well and We have to counter that. There will definitely be learnings. In their first World Cup game since 2016, said: "We are delighted. To achieve such a performance in our first game back at a World Cup shows we belong here and it's a shame it's been so long since we last played in one."
Ireland face Scotland in their next game on Wednesday (05:00 BST), knowing they must win to keep hopes of progress alive West Indies must also do the same against Zimbabwe (09:00).
The first two teams in each group will qualify for the Super 12, which begins on October 22. The winner of Group A and the runners-up in Group B will face England.
Raza raises his hand but Ireland runs with the batAlthough West Indies failed to hunt earlier, Balbirnie decided he wanted to do the same in this game, and the Ireland I started well with the ball.
Left arm Josh Little, who impressed for Manchester Originals in The Hundred this summer, struck twice as Ireland continued their impressive power record.
Normally, teams that lose three wickets on the power play lose the game, but this stat does not take into account performances like those by Raza.
The right...
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