Zimbabwe Under-19 Women continued their impressive campaign in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 with a convincing 79-run victory over Kenya in Dar es Salaam on Monday.
Zimbabwe first posted 128 for seven from their 20 overs before dismissing Kenya for just 49 in 15.1 overs to make it two wins from two matches.
Beloved Biza was the standout performer, contributing 40 runs with the bat before returning to take two wickets for just one run.
After choosing to bat, Zimbabwe made a cautious start, with Nicolette Nyika and captain Lorraine Pemhiwa putting together 18 runs for the opening wicket.
Nyika was bowled for seven before Pemhiwa added 17 from 19 balls, including three fours. Her dismissal left Zimbabwe on 35 for two in the sixth over.
Kenya kept the pressure on as Makanaka Zinyama was run out for four, while Salem Museka and Christina Mutasa fell for nine and five respectively.
At 77 for five in the 13th over, Zimbabwe needed a partnership to rescue the innings.
Biza responded with a crucial 32-run stand with Naomi Mhlekwa, taking Zimbabwe past the 100-run mark. Biza eventually fell for 40 from 38 balls, having hit five fours.
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Mhlekwa remained unbeaten on 17 from 22 balls, while Charmaine Manyukwi added a quick 11 before being run out from the final delivery.
Kenya's Zainabu Hamisi was their best bowler with two wickets for 21 runs.
The Kenyan chase never gained momentum as Zimbabwe's bowlers and fielders quickly took control.
Nezarine Oluoch was run out for two before Hamisi made 15 and Melvin Khagoitsa scored nine. Both were removed by Tawananyasha Zvomarima, who finished with two wickets for seven runs.
Kenya slipped from 27 for four to 27 for five when Nancy Wafuka was run out and Museka dismissed Alice Kariuki with the next ball.
Leah Atieno provided brief resistance with 13 before Garutsa bowled her for 13, leaving Kenya on 47 after 13 overs.
The Zimbabwe bowlers then wrapped up the innings, with Tadiwanashe Garutsa claiming three wickets for nine runs and Biza taking two for one in just 1.1 overs.
Kenya lost their final five wickets for only two runs as Zimbabwe completed another emphatic win.
The result keeps Zimbabwe firmly on course in their bid to secure qualification from the African regional tournament.
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