Ireland, who lost the three-match series 2-1, needed a late burst of runs from Tim Murtagh to clinch this consolation victory after Zimbabwe had collapsed from 159 for four to 187 all out.
A stubborn stand by the home team only emerged after the tourists had stormed past the 100 mark with the loss of just three wickets after 28 overs.
Rookie bowler Taurai Muzarabani was smashed for 18 runs with his first six balls but the early dominance was cut short by a neat catch from Sikandar Raza to dismiss Ireland captain William Porterfield.
Result:
Zimbabwe: 187 in 49.2 overs (Sean Williams 51, Sikandar Raza 50, Tim Murtagh 4-32) v Ireland 189 for 8 in 46.5 overs (Paul Stirling 50).
Series: Zimbabwe won the three-match series 2-1.