Andrew Balbirnie century in vain as Ireland lose last-ball thriller to Zimbabwe

CENTURY MAN: Andrew Balbirnie’s century was in vain as Ireland lost to Zimbabwe off the final ball. Pic: Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA

Ireland lost a last-ball thriller in Harare as Zimbabwe’s Clive Madande hit a match-winning boundary to claim a nail-biting first ODI by three wickets.

Irish captain Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector had earlier scored centuries as the tourists made 288 for four, but the tension cranked up in the second innings as rain intervened and eventually left Zimbabwe chasing 214 in 37 overs.