----

That's all from us today, then. See you tomorrow for more Test match action. Till then, on behalf of Sudeep and Ekanth, this is Sreshth signing off. Bye!

6.10pm "That's stumps." No more cricket possible today. But before we go, a quick chat with some players.

Masvaure of Zimbabwe: "I played just how I played few years ago. To come into the side and put in a solid performance... would've loved to go all the way [to a century] but thanks to the almighty. It was nice that Gumbie was positive and gave us that start we needed. I think we did alright till lunch, but after that, the Irish guys came back. Their grouping was quite good. I think Test cricket is more mental. The moment you cross the rope you need to be confident, need your mindset clear. What we wanted as a batting unit.... we'll take that score."

McCarthy of Ireland: "I think the two openers batted quite nicely. They were quite conservative. We could've been a yard fuller and brought the outside edge into play a bit more. We discussed that during that lunch break. It's really exciting when you see the ball moving as a seam bowler. You have some long days in the field, but I've always felt there's always an opportunity to take wickets. The bounce and shape was nice, something you love as a bowler. We knew if we get one or two, the wickets would follow. When its shaping like it is, you don't want to give the ball away. It was nice to get 15-16 overs out there today and put the feet up tomorrow."

Justin Smyth, one of Ireland's biggest followers, tells me from the ground: "There will be an inspection at 6.05pm, if they cannot get the game started by 6.15pm, then we'll probably be done for the day."

5.47pm Rainbow in the background and the rain has stopped. But with no sun nearby, can the outfield dry up enough to play more cricket?

5.36pm The rain drops are splattering all over the broadcast camera. More covers are coming on and it is getting dark. Ireland, even if play is possible now, would hate to bat in these conditions. We wait for more updates.

nayeem: "Zimbabwe's innings reminded me the 2000's Bangladeshi Test batting. We know the heartache of a potentially 350 innings ending up to 200."

5.32pmWe'll have a short turnaround for the second innings. However, it has started to drizzle. The covers are on... and the start to the second innings will be delayed.

5.27pm Ireland take the last six wickets for only 17 runs as Zimbabwe collapse in miraculous fashion. Remember, Zimbabwe were 97 for 0 at one point after lunch, but once that breakthrough came, the wickets just kept tumbling. McCarthy (3-42) got into the act first, then came Young (1-40), McBrine (3-37), Adair (2-49) and Campher (1-33). Interestingly, the supposed frontline spinner Matthew Humphreys did not need to bowl a single delivery!

As for Zimbabwe, take nothing away from Prince Masvaure's patient innings of 74, nor debutant Joylord Gumbie's 49. Their batting partnership gave Zimbabwe fans hopes of a score in excess of 350+, however, all they could muster was 210.

getting a little dark out there.

Tom: "No DRS while ICC wastes millions on substandard pitches in what should have been T20s showcase to the non cricketing world." -- I suppose their heart was in the right place, just poor execution!