Ben Curran makes history with family's first international century
What's the story
Former Zimbabwe cricketer Kevin Curran's middle son Ben Curran has become the first member of his family to score an international century. He achieved the feat during Zimbabwe's win over Ireland in the final ODI at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday. Notably, Curran smashed an unbeaten 118 of 130 balls laced with 14 boundaries. His efforts meant Zimbabwe won the match by a commanding nine-wicket win, sealing the series 2-1.
Stellar innings
Ben Curran's career-best performance
Curran, who made his international debut last year, produced a career-best performance by scoring an unbeaten 118. This crucial contribution guided Zimbabwe to their emphatic win over Ireland. His brilliant knock comprised 14 boundaries and assisted in chasing down a target of 241 set by Ireland, with more than 10 overs to spare.
Information
The first ton from Curran family
Ben's father Kevin played nine ODIs for Zimbabwe but could not get a hundred. Meanwhile, his brothers, Tom and Sam, represent England in international cricket. While Tom is yet to touch the 50-run mark in England colors, Sam owns fifties in all three formats.
Team effort
Curran's partnerships and accolades
Ben Curran's successful innings was highlighted by two important partnerships. He first added 124 runs for the opening wicket with Brian Bennett, who scored 48 off 48 balls. Later, he added an unbeaten 122-run partnership with skipper Craig Ervine (69* off 59 balls) to take Zimbabwe home. His performance earned him praises from former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop, who noted the similarities between Ben and his England brothers on social media.
Match recap
Zimbabwe dominate Ireland in third ODI to seal series
The Craig Ervine-led Zimbabwe side won the toss and put Ireland to bat. Half-centuries from Andrew Balbirnie, (64), Harry Tector (51), and Lorcan Tucker (61), saw Ireland manage 240/6 in their 50 overs. Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu were the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe managing two scalps each. Meanwhile, an unbeaten ton from Curran and an unbeaten half-century from the skipper saw Zimbabwe win by nine wickets and 63 balls. Graham Hume was the only wicket-taker for Ireland.
Stats
Curran's ODI and List A numbers
After his stellar unbeaten ton, Curran has now raced to 191 runs across six ODIs. He averages 38.20 and boasts a strike rate of 71. Meanwhile, in 44 List A matches, he has amassed 1,226 runs at 33.13. According to ESPNcricinfo, he owns two tons and eight fifties in 42 List A innings. His highest score is 125.
Twitter Post
X post by Ian Bishop praising Curran
Bats like Sam, resembles Tom. Wonderful story that the last of the Curran family to enter international cricket, is the first of the to score an international century. Ben Curran has played a skillful and well paced knock that ushers Zimbabwe to an ODI series win over Ireland.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 18, 2025