Following Scotland's recent successes in the NCL, it was Ireland's turn to taste success on 13 June, as they inflicted a crushing ten-wicket defeat on a dishevelled Zimbabwe side at the Civil Service ground at Stormont. The Irish bowlers made an impressive start, with Paul Mooney and Gary Neely reducing Zimbabwe to 12 for 3. Dion Ebrahim (52) and Stuart Matsikenyeri (50) engineered a recovery of sorts, but Zimbabwe's eventual total of 182 was never going to be enough.

In reply, Irish captain Jason Molins led from the front with 107 not out from 101 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes, assisted by Jeremy Bray (67 not out). Eight Zimbabwean bowlers, including the three who played in the last Test against England, failed to make a breakthrough, and Ireland romped home to their first victory over a touring team since 1969, when they famously defeated the West Indies.

A fired-up Zimbabwe immediately bounced back after their humiliation at Stormont with an emphatic 8 wicket win over Ireland at Eglinton. After a wretched start which saw them at 36 for 5 at one stage, Ireland staged something of a recovery, eventually making a very respectable 196. Zimbabwe had something to prove, however, and reached the target with 10 overs to spare.

Ireland also went down to South Africa in the Viking One Day Challenge at Castle Avenue in Clontarf on 18 June. Following his side's convincing 132 run win, South Africa's new young Captain Graeme Smith praised the commitment shown by the Irish: "I was pleasantly surprised by Ireland. They were very professional and there are some good young cricketers who are clearly very proud to be playing for their country.

I thought that our total was very good against a decent bowling attack. Ireland showed great heart in the field by diving around - and that was good to see."

Ireland's coach Adrian Birrell, whilst disappointed by his squad's defeat by South Africa, felt that the week had been a positive one for Irish cricket: "The win against Zimbabwe was huge - but I also take positives from the defeats.

Through long periods of all three matches we were able to compete. Test nations play the game at a higher pace in all aspects. We need to bat quicker, take fewer risks, but look to maintain a high run rate."

Irish Captain Jason Molins was similarly philosophical: "We gave a good account of ourselves - particularly in the field - and to walk off the field disappointed shows how much belief there is in the side. We've come on a lot."