Ireland take 40-run lead against Zimbabwe on day two in Belfast

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — Ireland took a 40-run first-innings lead against Zimbabwe after Peter Moor’s 79 against his home country on the second day of a one-off Test Friday at Stormont Cricket Ground.

The Irish made 250, supported by 59 extras and a run of 47 for the last wicket between Andy McBrine and No. 11 Matthew Humphreys.

Zimbabwe, bowled out for 210 on the first day, closed on 12 without loss.

Opener Moor put on 71 for the first wicket with captain Andy Balbirnie during a strong morning session. Balbirnie departed for 19 and Curtis Campher was out cheaply as Ireland reached lunch at 115-2.

Moor, who was born in Harare and represented Zimbabwe before moving to play for Ireland in 2023 on an Irish passport, had already turned fifty by that time.

When Moor was run out for 79 from 105 balls by Blessing Muzarabani, Ireland quickly went from 165-3 to 189-7, with Sean Williams securing the crucial wicket of Paul Stirling for 22.

McBrine stood either side of tea and a rain delay before finding an important ally in Humphreys. Humphreys hit a six in an inning of 31 balls from 27 not out. McBrine was out for 28 to end Ireland’s innings at 250.

Fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga took 3-39, Muzarabani 3-53 and Williams and Tendai Chatara hit two each.