A stand of 80 between Brendan Taylor and Tatenda Taibu set the foundation for Zimbabwe to claim a three-wicket victory over Ireland and secure the one-day series.

Zimbabwe won the toss and put Ireland into bat at Harare Sports Club and the visitors applied themselves well with Paul Stirling hitting 52, including three sixes and four fours, and Kevin O'Brien finishing unbeaten on 73 as Ireland set a competitive target of 238 for nine.

Taibu hit 41 off 48 deliveries and Taylor reached 71 before Elton Chigumbura (32no) and Graeme Cremer (22no) saw Zimbabwe over the line on 239 for seven to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series.

Cremer played a crucial part with the ball, strangling Ireland with his legspin as he took one for 26 in his 10 overs, and was well backed up by Prosper Utseya (2-37).

The third and final clash takes place in Harare on Thursday.