Ireland achieved their goal of defeating a Test nation, as they comfortably overcame the challenge of Zimbabwe, to win by 6 wickets in the Under 19 World Cup.

Rain shortened the game to 27 overs a side, and having won a crucial toss, Ireland soon had their opponents in deep trouble. Andrew Britton, the Irish bowler of the tournament, removed both openers in his second over, and from that moment the Irish never looked back.

Britton extracted swing and bounce, and troubled all the top order. His final figures of 4-14 in 6 overs were enough to earn him the Man of the Match accolade.

This was a vastly improved Irish performance, with the misery of the first week long banished. They looked sharp in the field and held their catches, with Chris Dougherty taking two excellent low catches at slip.

Shane Getkate (2-17), got two in his first over, and at 34-6, the game was effectively over as a contest. Reginald Nehonde (43) did his best to help Zimbabwe post a respectable total, hitting 6 boundaries, but with no support at all, a total of 99/9 was nowhere near enough.

James Hall (2-11) bowled well once again, but skipper Greg Thompson will be rueing a dropped catch by Richard Kevaney with his final delivery, as it would have made him the highest wicket taker in Under 19 World Cup history.

In reply, Chris Dougherty (11) hit two boundaries before being brilliantly caught at second slip off off Ncube. Ben Ackland (14) and James Hall (32) added 40 for the 2nd wicket, and from that point, the result was never in any doubt.

Hall hit 3 fours and a memorable six over extra cover as Ireland moved steadily towards their target. Stewart Matsika (2-14) held up the Irish charge for a while, but James Shannon (11*) and Graham Mc Donnell (12*) ensured a famous Irish win.

Shannon did particularly well considering he had earlier broken a finger while batting.

This win means Ireland finish 13th in the tournament, identical to 2006 in Sri Lanka.