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Josh Little stars with six-for as Ireland beat Zimbabwe

By AAP Newswire

Dec 16, 2023

Josh Little fine 6-wicket spell — Josh Little has starred for Ireland with a record six-wicket haul in their ODI win in Zimbabwe. -AAP Image

Josh Little has grabbed a six-wicket haul and recorded the best-ever figures by an Ireland bowler in a one-day international as he inspired his side to a four-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Harare.

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It put the Irish one-up in the series after the first match on Wednesday proved a rain-hit no result.

Little ripped through Zimbabwe's top order on Friday, taking the first four wickets as the hosts slumped to 4-19 before recovering to set Ireland a target of 167.

The 24-year-old left-armer Little finished with landmark figures of 6-36 off his 10 overs.

Ireland made a slow start in response, with Andy Balbirnie out for a first-ball duck but Curtis Campher turned the tide with 66 off 71 balls.

Zimbabwe bowled well but did not have enough runs on the board to defend, with Lorcan Tucker (28), Harry Tector (21) and Mark Adair (25no) helping Ireland get over the line at the start of the 41st over.

Ireland captain Paul Stirling enthused: "That Josh Little spell was the main difference, it was one of the best I've seen."