Discover how Ireland achieved a historic victory over Zimbabwe, winning by 63 runs and setting a new record for the fastest Test hat-trick in cricket history.
Introduction: Test Hat-Trick
Ireland scripted a momentous chapter in their cricketing journey by securing their third consecutive Test victory, defeating Zimbabwe by 63 runs at Queens Sports Club. This win makes them the fastest team in history to achieve a hat-trick of Test wins, accomplishing the feat in just their tenth Test match—beating South Africa’s record of 14 games.
Battling Against Rain and Zimbabwe’s Resistance
On the fifth day, rain appeared to be Ireland’s biggest nemesis. But the team managed to complete the lone Test in just 18.3 overs, showing so much endurance and strategic acumen. The last three wickets were not easy as Ireland needed to create seven chances to get Zimbabwe out, and Wessly Madhevere’s bold 84 off 195 balls kept the hope alive for the home team. See also: Beau Webster Stars as Sri Lanka Falters Late on Day 3
Young left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys was the star of the day, converting his overnight four-wicket haul into career-best figures of 6 for 57. His spin-bowling partner, Andy McBrine, played a pivotal role in closing out the game by dismissing Richard Ngarava with the new ball.

Humphreys’ Magic and Zimbabwe’s Brave Fight
Ireland played an additional 30 minutes ahead of schedule to make up for the lost 37 overs on day four. Having already sent down 18 overs to stumps, Humphreys was given the ball immediately. He needed just three overs to build his first chance of the morning. Madhevere was let off when he nearly chipped a drive to cover, but Newman Nyamhuri wasn’t so lucky and was LBW next ball, giving him his maiden five-wicket haul.
McBrine was brought into the attack shortly afterwards and was able to create two chances in his second over. However, both were missed-one by wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker, who was unable to hold onto an edge from Ngarava, and another by McBrine himself, who could not get hold of a low return catch. Zimbabwe survived, though, as Paul Stirling at first slip just failed to catch a Madhevere reverse-sweep attempt.

The Final Blow: Zimbabwe Falls Short
Ireland took the new ball in the 81st over, and McBrine found extra bounce immediately. Finally, the sun emerged, but it was a fleeting hope for Zimbabwe. In the 84th over, Humphreys hit back by hitting Madhevere’s outside edge past him and rattling the stumps. Madhevere, who had fought for every run to get to 84, could hardly believe it when his wicket effectively meant the end of the match for Zimbabwe.

Blessed Muzarabani, who made the last-wicket stand of 67 runs in the first innings with Trevor Gwandu, joined Ngarava to try to achieve the same. However, the ask was far too great. Ngarava resisted for 39 balls, played a few attacking strokes, and McBrine outfoxed him with a flighted delivery in the 87th over, and trapped him in front sealing a historic victory for Ireland.
A Milestone Moment for Ireland
Irish players went wild celebrating because they knew that they had something special in the bag. The post-match presentation saw skipper Andy Balbirnie poke fun at it when he quipped, “Just waiting for the DVD to come out! We are desperate to play; we don’t know when our next Test match is.”

This is a challenging statement with regard to being a Test-playing nation as this is one of the most limited countries for opportunities at the highest level, but their performance in Zimbabwe is a testimony of their growing stature in the longest form of the game.
Matthew Humphreys Breach Breakthrough Performance
Humphreys was Ireland’s hero with the ball, finishing with match-winning figures of 6 for 57. His ability to extract turn and deceive batters was instrumental in dismantling Zimbabwe’s resistance.

Wessly Madhevere’s Lone Stand
Despite Zimbabwe’s loss, Madhevere emerged as a shining light, playing a determined knock of 84. His innings showcased patience and technique, proving that he has a bright future in the Test arena.

Ireland’s Spin Duo Shines
Both Humphreys and McBrine played crucial roles in the victory, combining for nine wickets in the second innings. Their disciplined bowling ensured Ireland remained in control despite Zimbabwe’s lower-order fightback.
Ireland’s Growing Test Credentials
This historic hat-trick of Test wins signifies Ireland’s steady progress in red-ball cricket. With more fixtures, they could become a formidable force in the longer format.

Looking Ahead
Ireland had a strong statement to make of their potential in test formats by winning their third successive Test on the trot. But the question remains about the subsequent ones. The cricketing world would wait to see when they were seen wearing whites again.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, faces a tough task to come to terms with the outcome but seeing the passion displayed here by players like Madhevere would eventually give them hope for the future.
As Ireland celebrates this historic achievement, one thing is clear—this team is ready to challenge the traditional giants of Test cricket.