Zimbabwe’s innings had got off to a disastrous start, with Richmond Mutumbami cutting Craig Young’s short and wide delivery straight to William Porterfield at point to depart for the two-ball duck in the first over.
Brian Chari (17) and Sean Williams (51) tried to resurrect the innings with their 49-run stand, but Andy McBrine (1-47) bowled Chari in his first over which was also a maiden.
A stubborn stand by the home team only emerged after the tourists had stormed past the 100 mark with the loss of just three wickets after 28 overs. Stirling was a set batsman and by then had scored his ninth ODI fifty.
Kevin O’Brien (1-14) wrapped up the Zimbabwean innings on what looked a well below-par 187 at the half-way stage.
Chasing 188 for a win, Ireland plundered 15 runs in the first over from Taurai Muzarabani (2-43).
However Muzarabani came back strong in the sixth over dismissing Porterfield caught at extra cover by Raza.
After Ed Joyce (7) went cheaply, Stirling’s knock helped take Ireland to 94-2 before Balbirnie (24) ran himself out for the second game in succession.
Ireland have lost both the ODIs on their tour so far.
The unsafe Raza fell immediately after reaching his half century (56 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) to an injudicious stroke – Murtagh again the successful bowler. Ireland found themselves in a big spot of bother when Luke Jongwe dismissed Stirling in the 33rd over. Ireland needed 69 more runs to win from 17 overs with five wickets in hand. Stirling held the fort at one end while the Zimbabwean bowlers kept chipping in with wickets at regular intervals.
But the late partnership from Murtagh and McBrine ensured Ireland’s victory with 3.1 overs to spare.
The youthful spinning pair of Tinotenda Mutombodzi and Wellington Masakadza bowled superbly, snaring two wickets each for 33 and 31 runs respectively. The series ended with a 2-1 victory to Zimbabwe.
Murtagh was given the Man of the Match for his all-round performance while Sikandar Raza was adjudged as the Man of the Series for scoring 143 runs and taking three wickets.
- Rapid News Network