A century stand between Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis helped Ireland make it two wins in as many games at the T20 Women’s World Cup qualifier in Abu Dhabi.
The opening pair put on 130 against Zimbabwe as Hunter (71) and Lewis (69) took the game on in style.
They hit nine fours apiece, with Lewis adding two sixes, to power their side to a first-innings score of 176 for three.
Orla Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell added 15 each to top up the total, which proved more than enough after Ava Canning struck twice for Ireland with the new ball.
Zimbabwe captain Mary-Anne Musonda showed some fight with a knock of 48 from number four but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as Cara Murray and Laura Delany picked up two each.
The chase washed up at 120 for eight, leaving Ireland to celebrate a 56-run win and a strong start to their Group B campaign.
Ireland’s third game in Group B is on Wednesday, when they face Vanuatu at the Tolerance Oval. With four points on the board and two matches remaining, victory over Vanuatu could seal Ireland’s place in the semi-finals.
Scotland’s captain, Kathryn Bryce, produced a memorable all-round performance, returning unbeaten for 57 with the bat and taking four for 17 with the ball spearheading her side to a comfortable 44-run win over the USA in the Group A clash.
Meanwhile, Stella Downes was unanimously confirmed as Cricket Ireland president at the association’s AGM yesterday, taking over from William Wilson.
Donna Armstrong was also unanimously confirmed as vice-president, meaning she will replace Downes at next year’s AGM.
Three new Directors were also appointed to the board: David Richardson (Independent Director), Sukhi Byrne (Munster Cricket representative) and Liam Lynch (Independent Director).
