Ireland women defeat Zimbabwe by 19 runs in final game of quadrangular series

Shauna Kavanagh's 67 helped Ireland produce a match-winning total in Potchefstroom

Seamer Aoife Beggs' five wickets helped Ireland's women beat Zimbabwe by 19 runs in their last match in the quadrangular series in South Africa.

Skipper Laura Delany hit 81 with Shauna Kavanagh notching 67 as Ireland managed a competitive total of 254-5.

Zimbabwe's run chase looked on course as Chipo Mugeri (57) and Modester Mupachikwa (57) produced a second-wicket stand of 115.

But Beggs' introduction saw her producing figures of 5-52.

As Zimbabwe lost their way, they were eventually bowled out for 235 with two balls of their 50 overs remaining.

YMCA seamer Beggs' victims included Mupachikwa which left Zimbabwe on 150-3 after Leah Paul had bowled Mugeri.

Gaby Lewis also produced tidy figures of 2-46 as the Irish ended the tournament in Potchefstroomon on a positive note after earlier hammerings by India and hosts South Africa.

Beggs was named player of the match after her five-wicket haul.

Seven uncapped players - Beggs, Rachel Delaney, Louise Little, Lara Maritz, Sophie MacMahon, Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell - were included in Ireland's 15-woman squad for the tournament as a number of regulars were unavailable.

Ireland's women missed out on earning a place at this year's World Cup in England at the qualification tournament in Sri Lanka in February.