Botha bats away the cobwebs as Ireland get in mood for cup

ANDRE BOTHA’S half-century ensured a four-wicket win for Ireland against Zimbabwe in their World Cup warm-up game at Nagpur.

Batting first, Zimbabwe clawed their way back from a top-order collapse to finish on 244 for eight, with captain Elton Chigumbura’s unbeaten 103 off 81 balls leading the way.

Ireland’s chase was led by key innings from Botha (79), Alex Cusack (47) and Kevin O’Brien (62 not out) but Zimbabwe bowled well to ensure Ireland only secured victory with three balls to spare.