World T20: Ireland beats Zimbabwe by 54 runs in warmup

Niall O'Brien hit two sixes and four boundaries in an aggressive 62 to lead Ireland to a 54-run win over Zimbabwe in a warmup match for the World Twenty20 on Thursday.

Left-arm spinner George Dockrell and seamer Alex Cusack picked up three wickets each to help hold Zimbabwe to 127-8 in its 20 overs, in reply to Ireland's formidable 181-5 at the Moors Sports Club.

Zimbabwe captain Brendon Taylor won the toss and sent in Ireland, which was 36-2 before O'Brien and Ed Joyce lifted them into a strong position with 83 runs for the third wicket.

Hamilton Masakadza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 44.