Former England Batter Ballance Makes Winning Debut For Zimbabwe
Zeeshan Mehtab Published January 12, 2023 | 09:01 PM
Former England batter Gary Ballance struck 30 runs on his Zimbabwe debut in a five-wicket Twenty20 victory over Ireland at Harare Sports Club on Thursday
Harare, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Jan, 2023 ) :Former England batter Gary Ballance struck 30 runs on his Zimbabwe debut in a five-wicket Twenty20 victory over Ireland at Harare sports Club on Thursday.
After Ireland had been dismissed for 114 in 19.2 overs, a four from wicketkeeper Clive Madande lifted Zimbabwe to 118-5 with 12 balls to spare.
Ballance, 33, was born in Harare, making him eligible to switch international allegiance after playing 23 Tests and 16 one-day internationals in an England career that ended six years ago.
Featuring in his first T20 international, Ballance compiled the second highest Zimbabwe score behind Sean Williams (34) after facing 29 balls and hitting one six and two fours.
His innings ended in the fourth ball of the 12th over when a faint nick was caught by wicketkeeper Stephen Doheny off a lengthy delivery by right-arm fast medium bowler Mark Adair.
Ballance was released by English county Yorkshire last year after admitting he used racist language against teammate Azeem Rafiq.
Revelations by Pakistan-born Rafiq of institutional racism triggered wholesale changes at the club.
Zimbabwe lacked star batter Sikandar Raza -- shortlisted for three 2022 International Cricket Council awards -- who is playing franchise cricket in Bangladesh.
Williams carried on where Ballance left off to ensure a home victory in the first of three T20 internationals. The others are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
In a 47-minute stand, Williams averaged just over a run a ball and his total included three fours.
Adair and off-spinner Harry Tector were the most successful Irish bowlers, capturing two wickets each.
Put in to bat after Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine won the toss, Ireland lost openers Ross Adair and skipper Andy Balbirnie with just 12 runs on the scoreboard.
Only Gareth Delany, who top scored with 24, Curtis Campher and Doheny reached double figures while right-arm leg spinner Ryan Burl (3-29) was the most successful Zimbabwe bowler.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SIC chief asks PTI leaders to resign from assemblies
Pakistan working tirelessly to eradicate polio from country: PM
IHC Justice Sattar dismisses pleas moved by FIA, PEMRA and PTA in audio leaks ca ..
Gillespie, Kirsten feature in 48th edition of PCB Podcast
Security forces kill four terrorists in Tank
Fake immoral video of Ducky Bhai's wife goes on viral on social media
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 April 2024
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
More Stories From Sports
-
Gillespie, Kirsten feature in 48th edition of PCB Podcast
60 minutes ago -
New Zealand skipper Williamson set for sixth T20 World Cup
4 hours ago -
President's Cup matches washed out
19 hours ago -
Rana Mashhood congratulates hockey players
19 hours ago -
Inter Club Athletics Championship on Wednesday
1 day ago -
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
2 days ago
-
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
2 days ago -
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
2 days ago -
Pakistan level T20I series with nine-run victory over New Zealand
2 days ago -
Nadal gains De Minaur revenge in Madrid
2 days ago -
Kane hits double in Bayern win as Leipzig tighten grip on fourth
2 days ago -
Sheffield United relegated from Premier League after Newcastle rout
2 days ago