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Ireland beat Zimbabwe by five runs

Ireland beat Zimbabwe by five runs at the Cricket World Cup.

Ireland have beaten Zimbabwe by five runs in Hobart at the Cricket World Cup to move them to fourth in Pool B.

The Leprechauns set their opponents a total of 331 with Edmund Joyce and Andrew Balbirnie posting a collective score of 209.

Ireland cricketer Nial O'Brien runs in to congratulate brother and teammate Kevin O'Brien after he took the wicket of Zimbabwe batsman Sean Williams (L) at the Bellerive Oval ground during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Zimbab© Getty Images

Brendan Taylor claimed 121 for Zimbabwe as they began their ascent and Tawanda Mupariwa hit a six late on as he tried to close the gap with big-hitting tactics in the penultimate over.

The African side were left to chase the score late on and needed seven runs from the final over to secure the victory, but Regis Chakabva was dismissed with the first ball for 325-9.

Tendai Chatara collected a single with his first ball but his big hit off the second delivery was caught by William Porterfield as the Irish claimed victory.

Ireland will play India next before a final meeting with Pakistan.

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Paul Gorst
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Ireland's batsman Paul Stirling plays a shot during the Pool B 2015 Cricket World Cup match between Ireland and the West Indies at Saxton Park Oval in Nelson on February 16, 2015
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