A CAPTAIN’S bowling performance from Laura Delany has helped Ireland to another win against Zimbabwe, this time by 42 runs in the second T20 of the series.

Having been sent in to bat, Ireland made 3/172 from its 20 overs in Harare, before restricting the hosts to 8/130 to move to 2-0 in the three-match series.

Ireland’s batting innings got off to a stellar start, posting a 94-run opening stance off the first 12 overs. The runs did not stop flowing once Gaby Lewis was dismissed, as Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast carried on with a 62-run partnership for the second wicket.

Hunter was the star with bat in hand for the Irish, smashing six fours and two sixes on her way to 77 from 57 balls. Lewis also had a good day in the middle, hitting six fours of her own in a knock of 44.

Meanwhile for Zimbabwe, wickets were hard to come by, but Precious Marange and Lindokuhle Mabhero each got on the board.

Zimbabwe also made a fluent start in reply, going at about seven runs an over for the first wicket, before the hosts put on 54 runs in seven and a half overs for the second wicket.

Things then started to turn in the tourists’ favour as wickets tumbled and the scoring began to dry up. Delany wreaked with figures of 4-12 off her four overs, enough for Player of the Match honours as Zimbabwe ultimately ran out of time.

Along with Delany, Cara Murray picked up two wickets for the victors, while Ava Canning nabbed one.

Meanwhile for Zimbabwe, Kelis Ndhlovu was the shining light, posting 52 off 41 balls, while Pellagia Mujaji made a run-a-ball 31.