Ireland look to save series against confident Zimbabwe

Published

4 years ago

September 9, 2021

BELFAST – Lagging behind 1-0 in the three-match ODI series, Ireland needs a win in the second match against Zimbabwe to keep the hope of a series win alive.

Zimbabwe were relentless in their efforts to turn the first ODI in their favour.

The resistance was led by the bowlers who countered Ireland’s steady start by sparking an implosion.

Blessing Muzarabani’s four-wicket haul contributed to the hosts bundling out on 228 after being 187/3 at one stage.

A similar performance can be expected from the visitors on Friday.

Ireland’s batting found support from the top order but the middle order failed to capitalise on the start with the energy missing in the field from ball one.

As Ireland sits at the eighth position in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League standings , they would continue to want to galvanise more points as a long road lies ahead.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe are currently positioned at the bottom of the table with two wins in seven matches.

After having asked Zimbabwe to bat first, Ireland struck at the beginning to send back Regis Chakabva in the fifth over.

However, Brendan Taylor (49) and Craig Ervine (64) regrouped to put together a 71-run stand, strengthening Zimbabwe’s position.

Although wickets fell at regular intervals, the visitors were boosted by important contributions from their experienced batters.

Sean Williams (33) and Sikandar Raza (59*) did well to maintain a consistent scoring rate.

Wesley Madhever and Luke Jongwe added a few handy runs at the end to help Zimbabwe post 266/7.

In reply, Ireland got off to a good start, openers William Porterfield and Paul Stirling stitching a valuable half-century opening stand.

After the dismissals of Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, Porterfield shared another half-century stand with Harry Tector.

Zimbabwe hit back in the middle overs, picking up wickets and strangling the scoring rate.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, Ireland failed to recover.

They lost their last seven batsmen for 41 runs and were bowled out for 228, giving Zimbabwe a 38-run victory.

What they said:

Andrew Balbirnie (Ireland captain): “We perhaps didn’t start as well with the ball as we would have liked, but we pulled it back nicely.

“Our fielding and energy was off, which is disappointing and something that has to change before Friday.”

Craig Ervine (Zimbabwe captain): “At the beginning, we thought 250 would be a really good score, the wicket did get slightly better in the afternoon.

“The bowlers stuck to their plans really well.” – ICC

Tragic attack in Madlambuzi: Five dead as suspected mental patient goes on rampage

Published

3 days ago

August 22, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Police in Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South Province has are a suspected mental patient, Phamani Sibanda, following a violent rampage that left five people dead and two others injured on Wednesday.

According to the police statement, Sibanda (43) allegedly attacked seven people in the village using a Mopani log, a blunt object, and an unknown sharp weapon, targeting anyone who crossed his path.

The victims of this tragic attack have been identified by their next of kin:

Elliot Khupe, 101, a male adult from Bellas Village
Butho Tshuma, 97, a female adult from Bellas Village
Constance Sibanda, 66, a female adult from Bellas Village
Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu, 6, a female juvenile from Bellas Village
Catra Matsika, 72, from Central Village

In addition to the fatalities, two other women, aged 90 and 41, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Madlambuzi Clinic and Plumtree District Hospital.

The ZRP has underscored the pressing need for community awareness regarding mental health issues. “We implore the public to promptly refer mental patients to medical institutions for treatment and to actively monitor their behavior to prevent such violent incidents,” the statement elaborated. It encouraged community members to report any concerns to the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp at 0712 800197, or to approach the nearest police station.

In the community

Matabeleland North launches $250K fundraising campaign against drug abuse

Published

3 days ago

August 22, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a decisive move to address the escalating problem of drug and substance abuse, the government of has initiated a fundraising campaign in Matabeleland North Province with a target of $250 000.

The event will take place today at the Edmund Davis Hall in Hwange, focusing on raising funds and awareness to support youth rehabilitation efforts in the region.

Richard Moyo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, is spearheading this initiative.

In a recent interview with VicFallsLive, he emphasized the critical need for this campaign, stating, “The rise in drug and substance abuse among our youth is a major concern. We have seen children lose their lives and future because of addiction. This fundraising effort is essential to provide them with the help they need.”

Moyo addressed the need for government intervention, explaining that the cabinet committee on drug and substance abuse has taken significant steps to confront this crisis. “The committee has appointed chairpersons in each of the ten provinces to coordinate efforts against substance abuse. We must act now before the problem escalates further,” he added.

The background of drug abuse in Zimbabwe indicates a troubling pattern. Research shows a significant rise in substance use, particularly among unemployed youth and school dropouts. Moyo noted, “Many of our children are resorting to these substances as a way to cope with their circumstances. They often end up living on the streets, where they are exposed to even harsher realities. We want them to be occupied, and we will build rehab centers and hire people who will help them to quit the addiction because this is more common amongst the 2K children.”

Highlighting the importance of community involvement, Moyo called on local businesses and organizations to support the campaign. “We are appealing to all companies, particularly hotels and businesses in our province, to join us in this fight. Together, we can create a supportive environment for our children. Our president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, launched a nationwide initiative two months ago, and now, it’s time for Matabeleland North to take action,” he said.

Moyo further elaborated on the fundraising goal, stating that the $250 000 will be directed towards establishing rehabilitation centers and hiring experienced therapists. “These facilities will offer a second chance to those battling addiction. Our youth deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he emphasized.

Despite acknowledging that Matabeleland North’s drug problem may not be as severe as in other provinces, Moyo maintained that the issue is still significant, particularly in urban areas. “Here, we see children turning to drugs like marijuana, often sold by those who exploit their vulnerability. We must protect our children and provide them with the support they need to thrive,” he concluded.

The community’s response to this fundraising campaign will be pivotal in shaping a positive future for the youth of Matabeleland North, offering hope and resources for recovery and reintegration into society.

National

US suspends visa processing in Zimbabwe, embassy says

Published

4 days ago

August 21, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY REUTERS

The United States has stopped processing most visas in Zimbabwe until further notice, its embassy in the capital Harare said on Wednesday, citing unspecified concerns with the government.

“We have paused routine visa services in Harare while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe,” the embassy said in a post on X. It said the move was not a travel ban and that current visas would remain valid.

The government of the Southern African country did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The pause took effect on August 7, according to a notice on the U.S. State Department’s website, which said it applied to all visa services with the exception of most diplomatic and official visas.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has restricted travel from a number of African countries, saying it is working to prevent visa overstaying and misuse.

Zimbabwe had a visa overstay rate of 10.57% in 2023, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security report.

Starting this week, the U.S. will require visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi to pay bonds of up to $15,000 for some visitor visas. The Trump administration has also paused visa processing in Niger.

Harare resident Angella Chirombo said her 18-year-old son had received a scholarship to do his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and had been waiting for a visa interview when the pause hit.

“He was supposed to be in school already. I paid for everything else and was waiting for the visa so I could buy tickets,” she told Reuters.

She said other parents were considering booking interviews at other U.S. embassies in Southern Africa, but that she wouldn’t be able to afford the travel.

“Now they are saying we can go to Zambia and Namibia. I don’t even have money right now and I don’t know where to get this money. They are so many students that have been affected.”