Ireland edge past resilient Zimbabwe by five runs in nail-biting CWC tie

Ireland recorded a thrilling five-run win over a spirited Zimbabwian side to earn their third win of the ongoing World Cup in their Pool B tie on Saturday in Hobart.

Put in to bat first, Ireland set an imposing target of 331 runs, thanks to Ed Joyce (112) and Andy Bilbirnie (97).

Ireland dealt an early blow in the form of Paul Stirling after he was caught by Sean Williams off Tinashe Panyangara delivery for 10 runs.

Skipper William Porterfield and Man-of-the-Match Joyce steadily consolidated the innings as they put on a 63-run stand for the second wicket before the former's dismissal.

Subsequently, Joyce found an able ally in Bilbirnie as the duo built a 138-run partnership for the third wicket. Kevin O' Brien (24) and Gary Wilson (25) further contributed to the total as they added 49 runs between them.

Tendai Chatara and Williams were the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe as they claimed three wickets each.

Chasing the target, Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular juncture and were reeling at 74-4 in the 17th over before Williams (96) and Brendon Taylor (121) steadied the sinking ship to post a magical 149-run stand for the fifth wicket. ollowing the dismissal of Taylor, Williams held his nerve to help his team inch closer to the target before falling prey to Kevin's delivery.

Zimbabwe appeared to have put the final nail in the coffin when Tawanda Mupariwa hit 4, 4, 6 on successive deliveries that left his side requiring just seven runs off the last over.

However, Alex Cusack claimed Mupariwa's wicket with the third delivery of the final over to wrap up Zimbabwe's batting line-up and clinch the win for Ireland.

Cusack was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland as he captured crucial wickets of Taylor, Chamu Chibhabha (18), Regis Chakabwa (17) and Mupariwa (18).