Captain Andy Balbirnie was unbeaten on 32 as Eire took a 76-run lead over Zimbabwe after the second day of an intriguing one-off Take a look at in Bulawayo on Friday.
The vacationers have been all out for 260 of their first innings and reached 83-1 by the shut on the second day at Queens Sports activities Membership.
Earlier, a heroic 67-run last-wicket stand between Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu helped Zimbabwe make 267 all out, and construct a seven-run first-innings lead.
Eire had regarded set to create a wholesome lead after lowering the host to 200 for 9 on day two.
However the courageous last-wicket partnership, and 90 runs from Take a look at debutant Nick Welch boosted Zimbabwean hopes of a primary Take a look at victory since defeating Afghanistan 4 years in the past.
Muzarabani, who took seven wickets on Thursday, stole the limelight once more, this time with the bat as he contributed a Take a look at-best 47, together with six fours.
The innings ended when Muzarabani was caught out by the tempo of a supply from spinner Matthew Humphreys, which uprooted the center and leg stumps.
Fellow tail-ender Gwandu proved a affected person associate and was unbeaten on 18 having confronted 79 balls within the southwestern metropolis.
The stand between Muzarabani and Gwandu got here after a dream debut by Welch, whose 173-ball knock included a six and 9 fours.
Welch departed after a spectacular catch at deep midwicket by Harry Tector off a Mark Adair supply.
Earlier than the last-wicket heroics, the one notable Zimbabwe partnership on Friday was 46 runs from Welch and Wessly Madhevere for the fourth wicket.
Fast Barry McCarthy was essentially the most profitable Irish bowler, taking 4-75. His victims included openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano (26) and Ben Curran (12).
Temporary scores
Eire 260 and 83-1 (A. Balbirnie 32 not out) v Zimbabwe 267 (N. Welch 90, B. Muzarabani 47; B. McCarthy 4-75, A. McBrine 3-59)
Match state of affairs: Eire lead by 76 runs with 9 second-innings wickets standing