Zimbabwe Women clinched a 35-run victory over United Arab Emirates Women in the third one-day international at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe made a shaky start as Modester Mupachikwa (19) and Kelis Ndhlovu (10) departed early, followed by captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (14) and Loreen Tshuma (0), leaving the hosts struggling at 46 for four.
The innings was revived by a superb 113-run stand between Josephine Nkomo and Loryn Phiri. Nkomo struck 52 off 76 balls before being stumped by Esha Oza, while Phiri anchored the innings with a determined 69 from 94 deliveries.
Late contributions from Chiedza Dhururu (17 not out) and Audrey Mazvishaya (7 not out) guided Zimbabwe to a competitive 203 for seven in their 50 overs. Oza, Athige Silva and Indhuja Nandakumar picked up two wickets each for UAE.
Related Stories
In reply, the visitors never found rhythm in their chase of 204. Oza fell cheaply for five, and Lavanya Keny laboured to 16 off 53 before being removed by Lindokuhle Mabhera. Despite a fighting 40 from Heena Hotchandani, UAE faltered under steady Zimbabwean pressure.
Mabhera starred with the ball, taking three for 21 and snaring a vital caught-and-bowled dismissal. The lower order offered some resistance, with Vaishnave Mahesh (18 not out) and Nandakumar (16 not out) pushing the total to 168 for eight, but the target proved out of reach.
Zimbabwe’s disciplined performance secured a crucial win ahead of the series decider, set for Thursday at the same venue.
Leave Comments