Zimbabwe Women fell agonisingly short once again, losing by eight runs to the United Arab Emirates Women in the second and final Twenty20 international at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday.
The result sealed a 2-0 series victory for the visitors.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, UAE Women were restricted to 130 for seven in their 20 overs. Theertha Satish top-scored with 44 from 38 balls, hitting six fours, while Michelle Botha added a brisk 36 off 27 deliveries.
Lindokuhle Mabhera was the most economical of the Zimbabwe bowlers, finishing with two wickets for 15 runs, while Kudzai Chigora took two for 25 and Francisca Chipare claimed two for 27.
Related Stories
Chasing 131 for victory, Zimbabwe Women made a promising start through openers Modester Mupachikwa and Kelis Ndhlovu, who shared a 25-run stand before Ndhlovu was run out for 17.
Mupachikwa went on to score a steady 39 off 34 balls, striking six boundaries, while Loryn Phiri contributed 31 off 27 deliveries.
However, the home side’s momentum was broken when both batters were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Zimbabwe struggling to keep up with the required rate.
Late contributions from Nyasha Gwanzura (11), Christina Mutasa (9), and Josephine Nkomo (9 not out) were not enough, as Zimbabwe finished on 122 for eight after their 20 overs.
Heena Hotchandani was the star with the ball for UAE, taking three wickets for 17 runs from four overs, while Esha Oza and Indhuja Nandakumar took one wicket each.
The victory gave UAE Women a 2-0 clean sweep, rounding off a successful tour for captain Esha Oza and her team.
Leave Comments