Zimbabwe destroy Ireland

Zimbabwe 211-9 (Raza 69*, Murtagh 3/36) beat Ireland 104 (Stirling 41, Chisoro 3/22, Cremer 3/18) by 107 runs

ZIMBABWE climbed to the top of the log in the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup Qualifier Super Six stage with a thumping 107 run victory over Ireland at Harare Sports Club on Friday.

In their first very first encounter of this crucial round of the Qualifier, Zimbabwe sent a strong message that they are serious about heading to England next year with a brilliant fight back with the ball after they had been restricted to 211 for nine in 50 overs. Spinners, Graeme Cremer and Tendai Chisoro picked up three wickets apiece to bowl out Ireland for 104 to shoot to the top of the Super Six log. The Chevrons have five points, the same with second placed  Scotland while West Indies are third on the log with the four they carried over from the group stage.

There could be a change at the top of the log again should Scotland overcome Ireland at Harare Sports Club on Sunday while Zimbabwe's next big match is against West Indies at the same venue.

Man of the match Sikandar Raza scored a vital 69 not out with Zimbabwe posting 211 after losing the toss and being sent in to bat. Skipper Cremer picked up three for 18 runs with his leg spin while left arm spinner Chisoro had the same number at the expense of 22 runs with the Irish shot out for in 34.2 overs with their highest individual score being.