Zimbabwe v Ireland: Tourists make it four wins from four in five-match T20 series

Ireland made it four wins from four in their T20 series against Zimbabwe by securing a nine-wicket win in a rain-delayed match in Harare on Thursday.

The match was reduced to eight overs per side but when play got under way two and a half hours later than planned, the hosts made 65-5.

Ireland reached 70-1 with one ball to spare in their reply.

Orla Prendergast hit a six off the penultimate ball to secure victory and top scored with 27 not out.

Ireland had lost opener Amy Hunter for 19 in the fourth over with the score at 34-1 but Gaby Lewis (20 not out) and Prendergast put on a second-wicket partnership of 36 to get their side across the line.

All three batters hit two fours during Ireland's ultimately successful run chase.

For Zimbabwe, Kelis Ndlovu hit 17, with Chiedza Dhururu contributing 14, both players being run out.

Georgina Dempsey, captain Laura Delany and spinner Cara Murray took one wicket apiece, the latter with her first delivery.

The final match of the T20 series between the sides will take place at the same venue on Friday, with Ireland aiming to complete a clean sweep of wins over their opponents.

The Irish also clinched the ODI series between the two sides last week.