First Time In 147 Years: Zimbabwe Cricketer Registers Unwanted Record

Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Clive Madande set an unprecedented record by conceding 42 byes in a Test innings against Ireland on Friday. This unwanted milestone overshadowed Ireland’s 40-run first-innings lead, as they posted 250 in response to Zimbabwe’s 210. Madande, making his debut and having been dismissed for a duck on the first day, struggled with his bowlers sending several deliveries down the leg side and dealing with late swing after the ball had passed the bat. Despite the difficult circumstances, he surpassed the previous record held by England’s Les Ames, who conceded 37 byes in a Test against Australia at The Oval in 1934. This marked the first instance of a wicketkeeper conceding over 40 byes in Test cricket history.

Zimbabwe might have led in the first innings but for a crucial last-wicket stand of 47 between Andy McBrine (28) and Matthew Humphreys (27 not out). Joylord Gumbie and Prince Masvaure managed to bat out the final 15 minutes, leaving Zimbabwe at 12-0 in their second innings at stumps, trailing by 28 runs on a rain-affected second day of the one-off Test.

Earlier in the match, former Zimbabwe international Peter Moor top-scored for Ireland with 79, marking the highest Test score by an Ireland opener. Moor narrowly missed surpassing his personal best of 83, achieved while playing for Zimbabwe in 2018.

Zimbabwe’s Tanaka Chivanga, with figures of 3-39, claimed his first three Test wickets in just his second match at this level, while fellow pacer Blessing Muzarabani impressed with 3-53.