Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Clive Madande set an unprecedented record by conceding 42 byes in a Test innings against Ireland on Friday. This marked the first time in Test cricket history that a wicketkeeper conceded more than 40 byes. Despite the challenging conditions, not all the byes were Madande’s fault as he struggled with deliveries down the leg side and late swing.
Madande, 24, faced a tough debut at Stormont, especially after scoring a duck on the first day. Ireland posted a total of 250 in response to Zimbabwe’s 210, taking a 40-run lead. The previous record for byes conceded in a Test innings was 37, set by England’s renowned wicketkeeper-batsman Les Ames during Australia’s 327-run innings at The Oval in 1934.
Zimbabwe could have taken the lead in the first innings but for a crucial last-wicket stand of 47 runs between Andy McBrine (28) and Matthew Humphreys (27 not out). At stumps on a rain-marred second day, Joylord Gumbie and Prince Masvaure batted out the final 15 minutes, leaving Zimbabwe at 12-0 in their second innings, trailing by 28 runs.
Earlier, former Zimbabwe international Peter Moor top-scored for Ireland with 79, marking the highest Test score by an Ireland opener. Moor fell just four runs short of his personal best, achieved while playing for Zimbabwe in 2018.
Zimbabwe’s Tanaka Chivanga impressed with figures of 3-39, taking his first three Test wickets in just his second match at this level. Fellow paceman Blessing Muzarabani also delivered a strong performance, securing 3-53.
