Ireland woes mount after rout by Zimbabwe A

Ireland's preparations for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers continued to go off the rails as they were convincingly beaten by Zimbabwe A in the second of their warm up games in Benoni.

In their previous match their bowlers let them down, and this time it was the batsmen who fell apart as they were bowled out for 118 in 38 overs. Had it not been for 56 off 100 balls from Gary Wilson, the innings would have been even more wretched. Tendai Chisoro (3 for 26), and Tafadzwa Kamungozi (2 for 13) tore through Ireland's top order, reducing them at one stage to 59 for 7.

Cephas Zhuwawo blasted 45 from just 33 balls to remove any slim hopes Ireland had of rescuing the situation, and Mbekezele Mabuza, with an unbeaten 46 from 65 balls, guided Zimbabwe home with seven wickets and 22 overs in hand.

Such are Ireland's concerns that they hastily arranged another game, against Afghanistan on Thursday, to try to give themselves a much-needed win before the tournament begins on April 1.