Jane Maguire took Ireland to within a run of victory and a series win over Zimbabwe in Harare but after seeing Ava Canning run out off the penultimate delivery of a thrilling chase she missed the final ball and the match was tied.

Ireland could - and probably should - have won comfortably, as they did on Thursday, after a disciplined bowling display restricted the home side to 227-9.

Canning conceding just seven runs from her five powerplay overs, Maguire was also miserly and Arlene Kelly returned figures of 4-35.

But after an opening stand of 84 between Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul, rain sent the players from the field with Ireland on 119-2 and a lengthy delay reduced the target to 203 from 43 overs as well as disrupting the momentum of the innings.

Amy Hunter fell lbw three balls after the resumption, skipper Laura Delany was bowled for eight, and when Orla Prendergast became the first of three run-outs, the Girls in Green were 140-5 and second favourites.

Boundaries were proving hard to find - Ireland only managed nine fours - but Rebecca Stokell struck one of them, and a six, to keep her side in contention, adding 47 with Arlene Kelly for the sixth wicket before her partner was run out for 18.

Stokell’s second six reduced the ask to nine from 10 but she was immediately caught at extra cover and departed for 30 from 31 balls - a couple of meters either side and the game was surely won.

Maguire and Canning edged closer but another accurate throw from the deep found the latter short of her ground and when willow failed to locate leather next ball the game had no winner.

The three-match series will be decided tomorrow  while Ireland U19s will be in World Cup action in Bloemfontein today taking on Bangladesh in a 50-overs match that is likely to determine who finishes second to India in Group A.