Blessing Muzarabani returned 9.4-2-29-4 to help Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 38 runs in the first ODI, at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast. Chasing a stiff 267, Ireland were 163/2 at one point, but lost their last eight wickets for just 65. They were bowled out for 228 in 48.4 overs to hand Zimbabwe 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Earlier, Craig Young removed Regis Chakabva in the second over to give Ireland an ideal start after Andy Balbirnie won the toss and asked Zimbabwe to bat. Craig Ervine promoted himself at No. 3, and held the fort with Brendan Taylor to add 71 in 59 balls.
In the 15th over, Simi Singh gave Ireland the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Taylor for 49. Dion Myers failed to carry the momentum, but Ervine anchored the innings, adding 49 with Sean Williams (33) and 32 with Sikandar Raza (59* in 44 balls) to take Zimbabwe past 180 in 42nd over.
Raza remained till the end, while Wesley Madhevere (19 in 17) and Luke Jongwe (18 in 9) chipped in with useful contributions at the late stage to help Zimbabwe finish on 266/7.
Balbirnie used six bowlers, all of whom claimed a wicket each. Simi was the most impressive, returning 10-2-22-1.
Coming to the chase, William Porterfield and Paul Stirling got Ireland off to a steady start. They shared a 64-run opening-wicket stand in 92 balls before Wellington Masakadza pinned Stirling (32) leg before in the 16th over. Six overs after, Madhevere cleaned up Balbirnie (12) to give Zimbabwe an edge.
Porterfield and Harry Tector exhibited resilience under pressure from there. They added 71 for the third wicket before Jongwe got Porterfield in the 35th over to trigger a collapse. Tector tried but received little support from the rest of his teammates, as they were bundled out with eight balls to spare.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe 266/7 in 50 overs (Craig Ervine 64; Simi Singh 1-22) beat Ireland 228 in 48.4 overs (William Porterfield 75; Blessing Muzarabani 4-29) by 38 runs. Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza.