Ireland's hopes of progression to the Super 12 phase are hanging on by a thread after a 31-run loss to Zimbabwe in their T20 World Cup opener in Hobart.

Sikandar Raza took advantage of some poor short-pitched bowling targeting the small square boundaries to smash 5 sixes and fours in a brilliant 82 from 48 balls, making the Man of the Match award a formality.

It had all started so well for the Irish with Josh Little taking a wicket second ball, going on to take 3 for 24 in a fine display of pace bowling.

Zimbabwe had been struggling at 37 for 3, but Raza's brutal hitting propelled them to the dizzy heights of 174 for 7, sharing useful stands with Sean Williams (12), Milton Shumba (16) and Luke Jongwe (20).

The side batting first at Hobart had won 17 out of 20 contests, and once 174 had been posted, you got the impression it would take something special if Ireland were to pull off the chase.

It in truth never looked likely, especially when Paul Stirling chopped on second ball, and was quickly followed by Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector and skipper Andy Balbirnie - the latter duo having identical dismissals, edging to first slip with minimal foot movement.

There was a rally of sorts with Curtis Campher making 27, while George Dockrell and Gareth Delany each made 24.

However, wickets continued to fall, and with nine down, Ireland were staring at a NRR catastrophe on 111 for 9.

One crumb of comfort though came from a last wicket stand of 32, thanks to some lusty blows from Barry McCarthy (22*) limiting the damage to a margin of 31 runs.

A bad defeat certainly, but it could have been a tournament ending one had Zimbabwe clung on to two late chances.

Ireland now go into Wednesday morning's clash with Scotland in last chance saloon. One can only hope for a vastly improved display, otherwise they will be en route back to Dublin when the Super 12 phase begins.