IRE 238/9(50) | Zim 239/7(48.5)

Zim won by 3 wkts

Man of the Match: Brendan Taylor

ZIMBABWE wrapped-up the one-day series against Ireland with one game to spare after claiming a three-wicket win in Harare on Tuesday.

A stand of 80 between man-of-the-match Brendan Taylor and Tatenda Taibu set the foundation for the victory, which puts the hosts into an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Chasing 239 for the series win, Taibu hit 41 off 48 deliveries and Taylor reached 71 before Elton Chigumbura (32 not out) and Graeme Cremer (22 not out) saw Zimbabwe over the line.

Zimbabwe had earlier won the toss and put Ireland into bat at Harare Sports Club and the visitors applied themselves well to post a competitive total.

Opener Paul Stirling hit a composed 52, including three sixes and four fours, and Kevin O'Brien finished unbeaten on 73.

O'Brien followed up his eye-catching innings with two wickets, however his efforts proved in vain as Zimbabwe sealed victory in the penultimate over.

Ireland (Playing XI): William Porterfield(c), Paul Stirling, Andre Botha, Niall O'Brien(w), Kevin O'Brien, Gary Wilson, Andrew White, John Mooney, Trent Johnston, Albert van der Merwe, George Dockrell

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor, Tatenda Taibu(w), Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Charles Coventry, Elton Chigumbura(c), Prosper Utseya, Graeme Cremer, Ed Rainsford, Chris Mpofu

Zimbabwe (From): Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor, Tatenda Taibu, Vusi Sibanda, Craig Ervine, Charles Coventry, Elton Chigumbura, Prosper Utseya, Graeme Cremer, Ed Rainsford, Chris Mpofu, Chamu Chibhabha, Gregory Lamb, Shingirai Masakadza, Ray Price

Ireland (From): William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Niall O'Brien, Kevin O'Brien, Andrew White, Gary Wilson, John Mooney, Trent Johnston, Nigel Jones, Albert van der Merwe, George Dockrell, Andre Botha, Allan Eastwood, Andrew Poynter