IRELAND has pulled off an emphatic 81-run win in the third ODI against Zimbabwe to take the white ball series 2-0 in Harare.

After the Irish were bowled out for 180, they restricted Zimbabwe to 99 thanks to a stellar bowling display from Cara Murray.

Murray’s magical 6-31 saw her earn Player of the Match honours, tearing through the hosts’ batting lineup in a collapse of 8-40.

Earlier, the visitors were sent in to bat and saw two wickets fall within the first five overs. Things soon got back on track thanks to a 46-run third wicket partnership, though the total was helped with by a 22-run extras tally which included 11 wides.

Orla Prendergast was the pick of the Irish batters with 41, and was one of only two batters to make a score above 20.

Meanwhile for Zimbabwe, the wicket taking duties were shared very evenly. Precious Marange, Loreen Tshuma and Lindokuhle Mabhero all picked up two wickets apiece.

In reply, Zimbabwe had a much slower start to its innings, only putting six runs on the board before losing its first wicket in the fourth over.

The next two partnerships were ultimately the biggest of the innings, before Murray got to work and changed the trajectory of the game. Her six wickets helped the Irish tear through the tail and brought the Zimbabwean innings to an abrupt end.

Murray was not the only wicket taker for the Irish, with Ava Canning, Arlene Kelly and Laura Delany each getting on the board.

Meanwhile for Zimbabwe, Ashley Ndiraya top-scored with 25, while Mary-Anne Musonda managed 23 in the heavy defeat.