A twenty minute delay due to some drizzle and a wet outfield but then a perfect start for Ireland as Gwandu's stumps go flying last ball of McCarthy's opening over. Only twelve overs were possible before rain returned to take a huge chunk of the day but Humphreys with the wicket of Bennett in his first over back. Wesly Madhevere holding things together for the hosts adding 39 with skipper Johnathan Campbell before another brief stoppage for rain. Fifty for Madhevere and fifty partnership on the resumption but Humphreys holds a stinging return catch to remove Campbell and induces Mayavo to edge to Stirling at slip. Only 53 overs in a rain shortened day - gripping stuff.

No decision to make about a Declaration as Ireland are bowled out for 298 setting Zimbabwe a target of 292 for the win. Tense going in the morning session for Ireland with Campher and Balbirnie adding a vital 75 for the second wicket. With the pitch now offering considerable spin Ireland lost four wickets in the afternoon session, a two-edged sword, that will surely be to their benefit bowling last. An hour's play left in the day as Zimbabwe start their second innings and it's the McCarthy/Tucker combination that achieves the breakthrough, accounting for Ben Curran, as they did in the first innings, before Mark Adair beats Kaitano's defence removing the off stump. Humphreys into the attack with four overs left in the day and traps Welch lbw on the back foot. Ireland's day, now favourites to win on Day 4.

Perfect start to Day 2 from Ireland with two quick wickets from Barry McCarthy, while Nick Welch posted a half-century on his Test debut. McBrine’s off-spin always looked threatening and his three wickets put Ireland into the driving seat after the McCarthy opening spell. Despite that, Ireland couldn’t wrap the innings up and a stubborn last wicket partnership of 67 secures a first innings lead for the hosts with Zimbabwe bowling hero Blessing Muzarabani posting his highest Test score. Very much honours even after the first two innings of the match. A quick start to the Ireland second innings, PJ Moor with a flurry of boundaries before edging behind leaving his opening partner Balbirnie and a watchful Curtis Campher (14 off 43) to see out the day, Ireland’s overnight lead is 76.

Balbirnie, Moor, Campher, Tector and Stirling all out within the first ten overs - 31/5 after electing to bat! Tucker and McBrine added 50 before Tucker dragged on a huge drive leaving McBrine and Adair to see Ireland through to lunch. Adair and McBrine carry their partnership to 127 before Muzarabani has Adair caught behind to claim a five-for. McCarthy goes without scoring to make it six for Muzarabani who for good measure rattles Craig Young on the helmet last ball before Tea. Young departs and it is left to Matthew Humphreys to see McBrine to a century - fingers crossed. Not to be as Humphreys chips to mid wicket. McCarthy with the breakthrough, Ben Curran edging to Lorcan Tucker. Before a 46 run unbroken partnership between Tadudzwanashe Kaitano and debutant Nick Welch saw the hosts safely to stumps.