Irish snatch tie

Debutants Ireland grabbed the third tie in World Cup history in a thrilling clash with Zimbabwe at Sabina Park.

Jeremy Bray's century gave Ireland hope with a total of 221 for nine but Zimbabwe seemed well-placed for victory in Jamaica before a flurry of late wickets.

The Africans went into the final over requiring nine to win and after scoring eight, the scores were level with one Andrew White delivery remaining. But the otherwise calm Stuart Matsikenyeri (73 not out) swatted and missed to leave the match all square.

With the Irish asked to bat first in Jamaica, Australia-born Bray stayed at the crease for the full 50 overs to record an unbeaten 115 in Ireland's respectable total.

They had appeared in trouble at 89 for five before Bray's ton and useful late contributions from White (28) and captain Trent Johnston (20).

When the otherwise impressive Vusi Sibanda (67) trod on his own stumps to leave Zimbabwe 128 for four in their run chase, Ireland were suddenly in the ascendancy.

Elton Chigumbura followed for just four to leave the match very much in the balance, but Matsikenyeri and Brendan Taylor put on a timely 50 to put Zimbabwe back in control.

Ireland benefited from a huge slice of luck when Kyle McCallan tipped Matsikenyeri's straight drive onto the stumps to run out Taylor (24) as he backed up.

Andre Botha then trapped Brent lbw for three and Prosper Utseya swatted Kevin O'Brien to mid off for a duck to leave the Africans needing nine from 11 balls with two wickets in hand. Christopher Mpofu ran himself out on the last ball of the penultimate over - a Kevin O'Brien maiden - to leave Matsikenyeri on strike needing nine from six.

Eight were struck from the first five deliveries before the all-important dot ball. In the ensuing melee Rainsford was run out to leave the Zimbabweans 221 all out.