Windhoek, Namibia – Namibia Women triumphed over Zimbabwe Women by 24 runs in the 9th match of the Namibia Women’s T20I Tri-Series, held at the Wanderers Cricket Ground on September 14, 2024. A stellar all-round performance from Wilka Mwatile, who contributed with both bat and ball, led Namibia to a crucial victory.
Namibia’s Steady Batting Performance
Namibia, after being put into bat, posted a total of 127/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Merczerly Gorases anchored the innings with a solid 45 off 53 balls, while Mekelaye Mwatile chipped in with a crucial 23 off 20 balls. Despite early wickets, Namibia managed to stabilize their innings, thanks to some timely contributions from the middle order.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by Kelis Ndhlovu (2/18) and Josephine Nkomo (1/22), managed to keep Namibia from scoring freely, but Namibia’s steady partnerships ensured they had a competitive target on the board.
Zimbabwe’s Struggles with the Bat
In reply, Zimbabwe’s batting line-up struggled to get going against Namibia’s disciplined bowling attack. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano top-scored with 27 off 26 balls, but the Zimbabwean batters could not form substantial partnerships.
Namibia’s bowlers, especially Mekelaye Mwatile (3/32) and Wilka Mwatile (2/4), were instrumental in keeping Zimbabwe under pressure. Wilka Mwatile also took two crucial catches, making her a standout performer of the match.
Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals, and despite some resistance from the middle order, they were eventually bowled out for 103 in 19.5 overs, falling 24 runs short of the target.
Player of the Match:
Wilka Mwatile was deservedly named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance. She contributed 22 off 15 balls* with the bat, took 2 wickets for just 4 runs in 3.5 overs, and held two catches, playing a pivotal role in Namibia’s victory.
Key Performers:
- Namibia Women:
- Merczerly Gorases: 45 (53)
- Wilka Mwatile: 22* (15), 2/4 (3.5 overs), 2 catches
- Mekelaye Mwatile: 23 (20), 3/32 (4 overs)
- Zimbabwe Women:
- Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano: 27 (26)
- Kelis Ndhlovu: 2/18 (4 overs)
Brief Scores:
Namibia Women: 127/5 in 20 overs (Merczerly Gorases 45, Kelis Ndhlovu 2/18)
Zimbabwe Women: 103 all out in 19.5 overs (Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 27, Mekelaye Mwatile 3/32, Wilka Mwatile 2/4)
Result: Namibia Women won by 24 runs
