Stephen Doheny made light of his lack of international experience as he top scored with 84 as Ireland posted 294-7 in a one-day international against Zimbabwe in Harare on Saturday.
The 24-year-old batsman-wicketkeeper made his ODI debut three days earlier in the series opener and scored just three runs as Zimbabwe won by three wickets.
His opening partner Paul Stirling, deputising as captain for injury Andy Balbirnie, set a good example with 45 runs, including two sixes and four fours, before Ballance caught him at fine leg.
Harry Tector followed up a century three days ago with a brisk 75 off 61 deliveries, including one six and seven fours, before he was caught by Ryan Burl at deep mid-wicket.
Fast medium pace pair Tendai Chatara (3-51) and Burl (2-66) were the best of the Zimbabwe bowlers.
The team winning the toss and opting to bat second has won all four previous matches on the tour -- three in a Twenty20 series won 2-1 by Zimbabwe and the first ODI.