Captain Andy Balbirnie struck 121 before retiring hurt as Ireland posted 288-4 off 50 overs against Zimbabwe in Harare on Wednesday in their first one-day international.
Zimbabwe won the toss, opted to field and, initially, the decision paid off as openers Paul Stirling (13) and Stephen Doheny (3) were dismissed with 25 runs on the board.
The match then underwent a dramatic change as Balbirnie and Harry Tector (101 not out) put on 212 for the third wicket -- 16 runs short of the Irish record.
Balbirnie faced 137 balls and hit three sixes and 13 fours before being struck on the head by a Brad Evans delivery, and was forced to quit.
Tector reached his century with a two off the fourth ball of the final over. His total included one six and eight fours off 109 deliveries.
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Fast medium pacer Victor Nyauchi was the best of the Zimbabwe bowlers, taking two wickets for 65 runs.