The middle order batter top scored for his side in the first innings hitting five fours and five sixes with Wessly Madhevere chipping in with 22 and Luke Jongwe adding 20 to take their score to a competitive 174-7 from their 20 overs - Ireland's Josh Little was the pick of the bowlers taking 3-24 from his four overs.
In reply, Ireland got off to a poor start, losing talisman Paul Stirling for a duck and captain Andy Balbirnie cheaply for three.
They would lose another two wickets quickly with Curtis Campher, George Dockrell and Gareth Delany all scoring 20s to delay an inevitable Zimbabwe win.
Blessing Muzarabani was the best bowler for them in an impressive performance with three of their six bowlers going at less than a run a ball.
Ireland would finish their 20 overs on 143-9 with no batter able to lead the chase.
The result leaves Zimbabwe second in Group B, behind Scotland, who earlier in the day shocked the West Indies. The Irish will face Scotland on Wednesday at the same venue where Zimbabwe and West Indies will follow that evening.
