Grey scudding clouds, and an icy, swirling wind made for something less than a holiday atmosphere at Castle Avenue yesterday during the first of Ireland's one-day matches against Zimbabwe, and even the presence of Mark Waugh in the national side did little to enliven the atmosphere.

That said, to lose by just 49 runs to a side representing a Test nation was no mean feat, and Angus Dunlop and his men performed with determination and tenacity. But chasing a target of 228 for victory was a task beyond them, and soon the slow run-rate made defeat inevitable.

Still, from an Irish perspective, there were a few moments to savour, not least Paul Mooney's removal of Neil Johnson in the second over. After that breakthrough, Craig Wishart and Murray Goodwin put on 51 for the second wicket, before Gordon Cooke celebrated his 50th Ireland cap by clean-bowling Goodwin.

Waugh and Angus Dunlop were the principal players in Ireland's dull, if dogged and determined, batting response. Waugh top-scored with 38 (55 deliveries, two fours) while Dunlop came next with 35 (57 balls, one six, two fours).