ORLA PRENDERGAST led Ireland to a fifth successive victory over Zimbabwe but the four-wicket win was nowhere near as straightforward as expected in Belfast.

The 23-year-old’s unbeaten 67 got the Girls in Green home with 11.1 overs to spare to take the one-day international series 2-0 — after three T20 wins — and earned her both the Player-of-the-Match and Series awards.

After four one-sided wins over Zimbabwe in the past eight days, finally something akin to a contest broke out at the Stormont ground, despite the tourists being dismissed for a below par 178.

Run-rate and overs were never going to be a problem for Ireland — but wickets were.

Two went early and after Prendergast had added 49 with Gaby Lewis, the skipper was caught behind for 44, chasing a wide delivery, to leave her side on 95-3 in the 21st over.

Suddenly batting didn’t look so easy against leg-spinner Loreen Tshuma.

Laura Delany battled to 18 from 31 balls, and Leah Paul was even more scratchy in making seven from 19 before she was the first of two victims in an over for Tshuma, who finished with 4-35.

With 41 still needed a cool head was required and Prendergast provided it as she notched her fifth ODI half-century while junior partner Ava Canning settled Irish nerves with a mighty six over mid-wicket.

“Zim made us work for every run and put the pressure on, but Ava coming in at the end and whacking that six made it easier,” Prendergast said.

“I want to be the sort of player who’s gutsy and stays there in tough situations and I was glad to be able to do that.

“All you ever want to do when you’re chasing a total is to stay to the end, especially in a chase like that which became quite tricky.”

Opening bowler Alana Dalzell was the pick of the Ireland attack, claiming 4-36, while spinner Laura McBride took three late wickets to cap an impressive start at the international level.