A last-wicket partnership of 47 helped Ireland to a 28-run advantage against Zimbabwe after day two of the Test at Stormont.
Andy McBrine (28) and Matthew Humphreys (27 not out) plundered late runs as the Irish made 250 in reply to Zimbabwe’s total of 210.
Zimbabwe openers Joylord Gumbie and Prince Masvaure saw out the final 15 minutes to leave the tourists on 12-0 at the close.
Friday’s play was hit by two lengthy rain delays and the game is finely poised going into the weekend.
Similar to day one the bowlers struggled in the morning session but excelled in the afternoon as the Irish lost seven wickets for 88 runs.
Tanaka Chivanga (3-39) took his first three Tests wickets while Blessing Muzarabani also impressed with 3-53.
PJ Moor (79) and Andrew Balbirnie (19) put on a record opening stand for Ireland in Test cricket with 71.
Moor also registered the highest Test score for an Irish opener in Tests as he fell just four short of his best, which came when he was playing for Zimbabwe in 2018.