Ngarava's four-fer puts Zimbabwe on top in Test against Ireland

On the third day of the Test match, Richard Ngarava delivered a sensational performance to leave Ireland struggling at 33/5 by stumps in their pursuit of 158 runs. Ireland's chase began on a rocky note as Ngarava struck early and often, taking four wickets to destabilize the batting lineup. However, rain intervened, ending the day's play prematurely and halting Zimbabwe's momentum.

Andrew Balbirnie had kicked off Ireland's chase with a boundary in the first over, but Ngarava stole the spotlight with a double-wicket maiden, dismissing Peter Moor with a short ball and Curtis Campher on the very next delivery. Blessing Muzarabani compounded Ireland's woes by dismissing Balbirnie, leaving them at a precarious 7/3.

Ireland's troubles deepened as Ngarava struck again, this time removing Harry Tector and Paul Stirling in another double-wicket over, reducing them to 21/5. The arrival of rain provided a much-needed respite for Ireland, giving them a chance to regroup and prepare for the remainder of the chase on the fourth day.

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe, who started at 12/0, were bowled out for 197 after being well-positioned at 134/3. Craig Young and Barry McCarthy made early breakthroughs, dismissing the openers in successive overs. Despite a brief recovery, Mark Adair trapped Craig Ervine leg-before-wicket.

Sean Williams and Dion Myers then stitched together a partnership to stabilize the innings and extend Zimbabwe's lead. Williams, in particular, was aggressive, hitting Campher for two boundaries in one over. The pair continued their steady batting until lunch, after which Williams fell for 40, offering Ireland an opening.

Matthew Humphreys dismissed Brian Bennett, and Andy McBrine cleaned up the tail. Myers's resistance ended with an Adair wicket, and McBrine continued to take wickets at the other end, limiting Zimbabwe to 197. Despite the modest total, Ngarava's impressive bowling has given Zimbabwe a strong chance.