Esha Oza’s all-round brilliance led United Arab Emirates Women to a dramatic last-ball victory over Zimbabwe Women in the 5th match of the Namibia Women’s T20I Tri-Series 2024 at the Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek. Chasing 146, Oza’s commanding 84 off 65 balls helped UAE reach the target of 148/5, securing a nail-biting 5-wicket win.
Zimbabwe Women, after electing to bat, posted a competitive 145/5 in their 20 overs. Beloved Biza anchored the innings with a solid 48 off 43 balls, while Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 40 off 25. The Zimbabwe innings saw a strong middle-order performance despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Kavisha Egodage was the standout bowler for UAE, picking up 2 wickets for 32 runs.
In reply, UAE’s chase was centered around their captain, Esha Oza, who put on a masterclass with the bat. Despite losing two early wickets, including Theertha Satish for just 3 and Rinitha Rajith for a duck, Oza held firm. Her authoritative 84 runs, supported by a steady 49 from Kavisha Egodage*, guided the UAE to victory. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including Lindokuhle Mabhero and Kelis Ndhlovu, tried to keep the pressure on, but Oza’s experience proved decisive in the end.
With the game coming down to the final over, UAE held their nerve to chase the target with no balls to spare, completing a thrilling victory by 5 wickets.
Key Highlights & Records:
- Esha Oza was the star of the match, scoring a crucial 84 off 65 balls and picking up 1 wicket for 30 runs, earning her the Player of the Match award.
- Beloved Biza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 48 off 43 balls, laying the foundation for their total.
- Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano‘s unbeaten 40 off 25 helped Zimbabwe push their score to a competitive 145.
- This match saw the highest match aggregate (293 runs) involving Zimbabwe and UAE Women in Women’s T20 Internationals.
- Kelis Ndhlovu continued her impressive bowling form for Zimbabwe, taking 1/15 in 2 overs.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe Women: 145/5 in 20 overs (Beloved Biza 48, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 40*, Esha Oza 1/30, Kavisha Egodage 2/32)
UAE Women: 148/5 in 20 overs (Esha Oza 84, Kavisha Egodage 49*, Lindokuhle Mabhero 1/25, Kelis Ndhlovu 1/15)
Result: UAE Women won by 5 wickets (with 0 balls remaining).
Player of the Match: Esha Oza – 84 (65) & 1/30
The thrilling victory propels UAE Women to a strong position in the tri-series, with Oza’s all-round performance standing out as a game-changer in a match that went down to the wire.
