Balbirnie century in vain as Ireland lose last-ball ODI thriller to Zimbabwe

A last-ball four by Clive Madande gave Zimbabwe victory by three wickets over Ireland in the first men's ODI in Harare on Wednesday afternoon.

Needing four off the last ball bowled by Graham Hume, Madande smacked a boundary to break Irish hearts and give Zimbabwe the win in a rain-affected match in the Zimbabwean capital.

Ireland lost the toss and were asked to bat under leaden skies, with one 15-minute break for rain. They made 288 for four off their 50 overs.

Zimbabwe had Ireland in trouble early on with Stephen Doheny, making his ODI debut, clean-bowled and Paul Stirling LBW for 13 as the Irish were reduced to 25 for two in the ninth over.

It meant Harry Tector came in to join Andrew Balbirnie at the crease and the pair began a slow rebuild. At one stage the visitors were viewing a score north of 300.

Having made his eighth one-day century for Ireland, Balbirnie then suffered a horrific moment in the 45th over when he top-edged a full toss from Brad Evans into the grill of his helmet, flooring the Irish captain on 121 runs and forcing his retirement.

Ireland brought in George Dockrell as his replacement - he duly departed for 12 off just five balls.

Curtis Campher (8) soon followed as the momentum went out of the Irish innings.

However Tector managed to get to his 100, his third for Ireland, off just 106 deliveries in the last over. Helped by a late cameo from Lorcan Tucker (12 not out), Ireland reached 288 for four.

Balbirnie didn't appear for the Zimbabwe reply due to concussion protocols, replaced on the field by Tyrone Kane who was in action straight away, taking a fine catch at backward point to get rid of Wesley Madhevere off the bowling of Mark Adair with Zimbabwe nine for one.

Innocent Kaia was joined by Craig Ervine,