Richard Ngarava did well to defend to six runs in the final over as Zimbabwe registered an improbable three-run victory to go 1-0 up in the series. Ireland could only manage 114/9 in the pursuit of 118.
Craig Young provided the hosts with an excellent start, removing both openers inside three overs. Wesley Madhevere edged one behind the stumps, while Tadiwanashe Marumani could not get hold of his wild hoick.
Regis Chakabva brought a flurry of boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Chakabva smashed three fours in the fifth over, off Curtis Campher. Shane Getkate then got Dion Myers to reduce the visitors to 43/3.
Craig Ervine, next man in, hit a four and six for his 12-ball 17 before falling to Simi Singh. Chakabva was then beaten through the gate while trying while attempting to play a late cut off Singh.
Wellington Masakadza made 19 in 15 balls to drag Zimbabwe across the three-figure mark. For Ireland, Young and Singh picked up two wickets each.
In response, Paul Stirling (24) got into the groove early, but Kevin O’Brien struggled to come to terms with what was a double-paced pitch. Stirling hit four boundaries to get his team off a brisk start. Just when it seemed Ireland might race home, Luke Jongwe bowled Stirling.
Ryan Burl then removed O’Brien (25) and George Dockrell in successive deliveries to bring his team back in the game. Ireland lost few more wickets in quick succession before Singh took all upon himself.
Singh smashed a four and six off Tendai Chatara in the 17th over keep the contest alive. They needed six off the last over, but Ngarava picked up two wickets and conceded just three runs to win the match for his team.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe 117/7 in 20 overs (Regis Chakabva 47; Craig Young 2-15) beat Ireland 114/9 in 20 overs ( Kevin O’Brien 25; Ryan Burl 3-22) by 3 runs. Player of the Match: Regis Chakabva.