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Belief key to Ireland's first home test match win, says captain

cricket29 July 2024 08:18| © Reuters
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Andrew Balbirnie © Getty Images

Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie said his side never stopped believing in themselves after they recorded their first win in a home test match with a four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Belfast on Sunday.

The hosts were struggling at 21-5 while chasing a target of 158 in the fourth innings but Lorcan Tucker (56) and Andy McBrine (55 not out) built a 96-run partnership for the sixth wicket to help them clinch their second-ever test match win.

"We did believe last night. We had our two best batters out ... that partnership was special," Balbirnie said after winning the one-off test.

"It's entertaining stuff, can't watch at times. We worked hard, got ourselves back a couple times and got through in the end.

"There's no qualification on the line but you see what it means to the team," Balbirnie added.

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