Zimbabwe v Ireland T20: Amy Hunter hits century as tourists win series opener

Hunter's century was the first by any Irishwoman in a T20 international against a full ICC member

Amy Hunter hit her first Twenty20 international century for Ireland as they took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The 18-year-old's unbeaten 101 off 66 balls helped Ireland post an imposing 191-3, with Gaby Lewis contributing 56.

Zimbabwe struggled in their reply, captain Mary-Anne Musonda top-scoring with 46 as they finished on 134-5.

Hunter's knock was the first T20 ton by an Ireland woman against a full International Cricket Council member.

Friday's opening contest followed a three-match one-day international series which Ireland won 2-0 with one of the contests ending in a tie.

Both sides are using the series to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers in the United Arab Emirates in April and May.

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After Ireland won the toss, Hunter and Lewis produced an Irish women's record T20 partnership of 138, with Lewis recording her 11th T20 half-century before she was bowled by Nyasha Gwanzura.

Hunter's 101 included 13 fours and a six, with Orla Prendergast (13) also reaching double figures before she fell to Kudzai Chigora.

Hunter's ton means the Belfast native is the only Ireland women's cricketer to score an international century in both the ODI and T20 formats.

In Zimbabwe's reply, Alana Dalzell took the opening wickets of Kelis Ndlovu and Pellagia Mujaji as the hosts were never on target in their run chase.

Georgina Dempsey claimed two wickets in four deliveries to remove Musonda and Loreen Tshuma as Ireland eased to victory.

The second match of the five-game series takes place at the same venue on Sunday (11:00 GMT).