T20 World Cup: Ireland lose to Zimbabwe in their opening game

Ireland's campaign at the Men's T20 World Cup got off to a disappointing start as Sikandar Raza inspired Zimbabwe to a 31-run victory in Hobart.

Raza came to the crease with his side 37-3 in the powerplay, but smacked 82 off 48 balls, before being bowled from the final ball of Zimbabwe's 174-7.

Ireland slumped to 22-4 off 3.5 overs and never recovered, finishing well short on 143-9.

Scotland shocked two-time winners West Indies in the earlier Group B match.

"I am bitterly disappointed with how we've started the competition but it is a pretty simple shootout for us now," said Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie.

"We want to go out and play decent cricket but we have to be aware that Zimbabwe will play well as well and we have to counter that. There will definitely be some learnings."

Craig Ervine, who captained Zimbabwe in their first World Cup game since 2016, said: "We are ecstatic. To put up a performance like that in our first game back in a World Cup shows we belong here and it is a pity that it has been so long since we last played in one."

Ireland face Scotland in their next match on Wednesday (05:00 BST), knowing they must win to keep alive their hopes of progressing. West Indies must also do the same against Zimbabwe (09:00).

The top two sides from each group will qualify for the Super 12s, which start on 22 October. The winner of Group A and runner-up from Group B will face England.

This article originally appeared on BBC Sport

Photo: BBC Sport