Tatenda Taibu and Keith Dabengwa starred for Zimbabwe as they opened their tri-series campaign with a mighty 156-run victory over Ireland in Nairobi.

Zimbabwe had lost to Uganda in a warm-up match on Thursday but bounced back 24 hours later, winning the toss and electing to bat before registering an impressive total of 303.

There were contributions from all of the top six batsmen but Taibu's 74, Hamilton Masakadza's 72 and Chanu Chibhabha's 51 provided most of the runs.

In reply Ireland could only muster 147 all out, and only Kevin O'Brien provided meaningful resistance as he notched up 38.

Dabengwa was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers with three for 17 from six overs, while Elton Chigumbura, Propser Utseya and Timycen Maruma claimed two wickets apiece.