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The Ireland-Afghanistan series is an interesting one as it pertains to Zimbabwe. Currently AFG have a 2-1 lead with just one match to go. Entering this series, the rankings for 10th, 11th, and 12th were Afghanista, Zimbabwe, and Ireland in that order. The order remains intact, and will remain that way regardless of how the 5th and final ODI shapes up. However, if Afghanistan seals a 3-1 series win, the rankings will look like this:

9. Pakistan 87
10. Afghanistan 51
11. Zimbabwe 46
12. Ireland 40

Zimbabwe would have a bit of breathing room with a 6 point lead over Ireland. Given the number of games each team has played, Zimbabwe won't be falling under Ireland anytime soon, however Ireland could rise past Zimbabwe with a few big wins. But they would also be 5 points behind AFG, and with so many matches played in the ranking period, gaining 5 points will require a lot of wins.

Should the Irish fight back and draw the series 2-2 the rankings would look like this:

9. Pakistan 87
10. Afghanistan 47
11. Zimbabwe 46
12. Ireland 46

Zimbabwe would only be 1 point away from last place, but they would also only be 1 point away from regaining the 10th place ranking and be counted ahead of the two Associates.

The rankings predictor has some bugs. Its always wrong.

The rankings with Ireland forcing a 2-2 tie with Afghanistan narrows the gap for all 3 teams.

Afghanistan 49
Zimbabwe 46
Ireland 43

All 3 teams in striking distance of each other. Ireland could well upset Pakistan in the coming ODIs and that might push Zimbabwe back down to 12th. But the good news is, Zim are only 3 points behind AFG which is a closeable gap.