Ireland win to leave Zimbabwe series finely poised

Ireland beat Zimbabwe by six wickets in the second of the men's T20 Internationals in Harare to square the three match series at 1-1 ahead of Sunday's decider.

Ireland won the toss and decided to put Zimbabwe into bat under grey skies and in front of fanatical home support, the hosts were bolwed out for for 144 in the final over

Zimbabwe would have been disappointed with thier total as they were 86 for 3 after 11 overs, but courtesy of some ill-judged run outs by the home side, Ireland restricted Zimbabwe to less than 150.

Craig Irvine top-scored for the hosts with 42 runs from 39 balls faced before falling to a brilliant running catch by Harry Tector on the fine leg boundary.

Graham Hume was the pick of the Irish bowlers, taking three for 17.

Ireland in reply started steadily with openers Andy Balbirnie and Ross Adair putting on 48 for the first wicket before Balbirnie skied one off the bowling of Sean Burl and was dismissed for 33 in the 9th over.

Adair though went onto make his maiden T20 International half century in only his second game at this level off 40 deliveries before perishing, caught at long on after a well-worked 65 which put Ireland in sight of victory, a knock which won Adair the player of the match award.

Harry Tector chipped in with a hard-working 26 to get Ireland close to the total and the visitors made the winning runs in the final over when George Dockrell smashed a huge six over long off to complete a six wicket victory and set up the series for Sunday's decider.