Ireland remove Zimbabwe’s top order after setting 292-run target

Ireland in a strong position to win Test against Zimbabwe

Ireland have set Zimbabwe a target of 292 runs to win the one-off Test in Bulawayo, after removing the home side's top order cheaply before stumps. Zimbabwe need 254 runs to win with two days left and have only seven wickets in hand.

Ireland started the day cautiously, scoring 66 runs off 30 overs in the morning session. Curtis Campher was dismissed for 39.

Zimbabwe made inroads in the post-lunch session, taking important wickets including Balbirnie for 66. Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker hit some boundaries, but Stirling was sent back by Blessing Muzarabani.

Tucker brought up a half-century, but Richard Ngarava took two wickets in the final session to keep Ireland's lead to 292.

Zimbabwe lost their openers early on the third day, and debutant Nick Welch was trapped lbw before stumps, dampening their chances.

Brief scores:

• Zimbabwe 267 & 38/3 (Ngarava 15*; Humphreys 1/4)
• Ireland 260 & 298 (Balbirnie 66, Tucker 58; Ngarava 4/55)

Zimbabwe trail by 253 runs.