Ireland clung on to claim a controversial five-run win over Zimbabwe to keep their bid to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on track.

Ed Joyce’s third one-day international century helped Ireland post 331 for eight — their highest ever score at a World Cup — but Zimbabwe looked like running down the record chase until a debatable John Mooney catch.

Replays appeared to show Mooney had stepped on the rope when he held on to remove Sean Williams, who was four short of a century and seemingly in control of the pursuit.

The third umpire was called to judge the catch, although Williams did not remain on the field of play after he instead opted to take the word of Mooney that he had taken the catch inside the rope.

There was still drama to follow as number 10 Tawanda Mupariwa slapped 19 from the penultimate over, delivered by Kevin O’Brien, to leave Zimbabwe needing seven from the last six balls.

But Alex Cusack held his nerve as he claimed the final two wickets, first getting Regis Chakabva to drag on before Mupariwa skied a catch William Porterfield gratefully accepted.

While Joyce’s 112 earned him the man-of-the-match award Cusack’s four for 32 was just as invaluable, especially after he removed Zimbabwe skipper Brendon Taylor for 121.