Zimbabwe leapfrog Ireland in ICC rankings after tight ODI win

Zimbabwe leapfrogged Ireland into 10th position in the ICC ODI rankings after they claimed a two-wicket victory in the first game of the three-match series in Harare on Friday.

Put into bat on a turning pitch, Ireland made 219 for eight, with the key partnership coming for the fourth wicket as Gary Wilson, who top-scored with an unbeaten 70, and Ed Joyce, who made 53, added 83 in 111 balls.

Joyce’s departure led to a collapse that saw Ireland lose five wickets for 39 runs, a run which was ended thanks to a fine cameo 23 not out from 14 balls by Andy McBrine as he put on 43 in 28 balls with Wilson to complete the innings.

Former Lisburn batsman Craig Ervine backboned Zimbabwe's successful run chase with a knock of 60, before Sikandar Raza led them home with an over to spare with an unbeaten 60. Spinners McBrine (two for 53) and George Dockrell (two for 29) enjoyed the conditions and will be hoping for more success in Sunday's second encounter between the sides.

FIRST ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL

(at Harare Sports Club): Ireland 219-8 (50 ovs) (G Wilson 70no, E Joyce 53, P Stirling 24. A McBrine 23no; J Nyumbu 2-35, W Mazakadza 2-45), Zimbabwe 222-8 (49 ovs) (S Raza 60no, C Ervine 60, S Williams 24, C Chibhabwa 22; G Dockrell 2-29, A McBrine 2-52). Zimbabwe won by 2 wkts.