AMY HUNTER roared back to form with a half-century at Sydney Parade as Ireland beat Zimbabwe by 51 runs to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the T20 international series.

After two single-figure scores, Hunter set the tone for the Girls in Green with 59 from 40 balls, including nine fours and a maximum, to lay the foundations for an imposing total of 180-4.

Rebecca Stokell, given the chance to open, added 96 with Hunter and looked set for a half-century of her own before she was run out for 45 from 28 but the momentum continued with lively cameos from Louise Little and Orla Prendergast.

The total was well beyond Zimbabwe’s capabilities and skipper Gaby Lewis was able to juggle seven bowlers as the tourists were restricted to 129-7.

Ava Canning and Sophie MacMahon claimed two wickets each, leg-spinner Cara Murray added another to take her haul to seven from the three games and there were two run-outs.

Lewis didn’t bat or bowl but was still voted Player of the Series for her 67 and 87 in the first two games.

“It was great to watch from the sidelines but it felt so weird because I can’t remember the last time I didn’t open the batting for Ireland,” Lewis said.

“Everyone who comes in is really pushing for a starting spot and it’s great to see the depth we’re building in the squad, and it’s only going to get better.”

After extending their unbeaten record against Zimbabwe to 10 games in T20s, Ireland will look to follow up with a series win in Belfast when the sides meet for two one-day internationals over the weekend.