Harare: Zimbabwe clinched the one-day international series against Ireland with a three-wicket win led by Brendan Taylor's 71 on Tuesday to hold an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match to play.
Taylor put on stands of 42 with Sean Williams (21) and 80 with Tatenda Taibu (41) to help Zimbabwe reach 239-7 in pursuit of Ireland's 238-9 at Harare Sports Club with seven balls remaining.
Zimbabwe had a mini collapse after Taylor was out, losing 3-18, but Elton Chigumbura and Graeme Creamer steered the hosts home.
Kevin O'Brien was the pick of Ireland's bowlers with 2-33. Earlier, O'Brien hit 73 not out and Paul Stirling made 52 in Ireland's total that was boosted by three last-over sixes.
Brief score
Ireland 238 for 9 (K O'Brien 73*, Stirling 52, Utseya 2-37)
Zimbabwe 239 for 7 (Taylor 71, Taibu 41, K O'Brien 2-33)
Result Zimbabwe won by three wickets
MOM Brendan Taylor (Zimababwe)