Ireland overcomes collapse to beat Zimbabwe in one-off Test

Chasing a modest target of 158, Ireland found themselves in a precarious position at 33-5 by the end of the third day on Saturday

PHOTO: AFP

Ireland secured a victory over Zimbabwe by four wickets in a one-off Test match held in Belfast on Sunday, overcoming a dramatic collapse at the top of their batting order.

Chasing a modest target of 158, Ireland found themselves in a precarious position at 33-5 by the end of the third day on Saturday, primarily due to a sensational spell by Zimbabwe's left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava, who took 4-12 in just four overs.

However, on the final day, Ireland lost only one more wicket.

Lorcan Tucker, who scored 56, and Andy McBrine, remaining unbeaten on 55, forged a crucial partnership of 96 runs after Ireland had slumped to 21-5. This partnership turned the match in Ireland's favor.

Mark Adair hit the winning boundary, ending the chase at 158-6, thus securing the win with more than a day to spare.