Former Zimbabwe Under-19 player Shelton Mazvitorera took two wickets as Ireland A reached 420 for nine on the opening day of the first four-day match against Zimbabwe A at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

Roy Kaia captained Zimbabwe A, with Clive Madande keeping wicket. The rest of the XI comprised Johnathan Campbell, Matthew Campbell, Michael Frost, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tanunurwa Makoni, Tinotenda Maposa, Mazvitorera and Dion Myers.

Mazvitorera finished with two for 77 from 14 overs. Both his wickets came through leg before wicket dismissals, accounting for opener Jake Egan, who made 46, and Mark Adair, who scored 51.

Tinotenda Maposa was Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker with three for 46 from 17 overs. Frost took two for 96, while Myers and Matthew Campbell claimed one wicket apiece.

Ireland A elected to bat after winning the toss, with wicketkeeper Ben Calitz leading the scoring with 80 off 79 balls, including seven sixes.

Gavin Hoey was unbeaten on 74 at the close, while Christopher De Freitas contributed 43.

Byron McDonough, who is making his first-class debut for Ireland A, was unbeaten on nought when stumps were drawn.

Forster Mutizwa and Gareth Morrison are the on-field umpires, with Owen Chirombe serving as match referee.