Kudzai Chigora’s outstanding 5-wicket haul and Josephine Nkomo’s crucial knock guided Zimbabwe Women to a thrilling 3-wicket win over UAE Women in Match 2 of the Women’s T20I Tri-Series 2024 at the Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek. Chigora’s devastating spell of 5/7 dismantled the UAE lineup, while Nkomo held her nerve to anchor the chase.
Match Report:
UAE Women, after electing to bat first, were bundled out for a modest 93 in 17 overs. Esha Oza top-scored with 34 off 38 balls, while wicketkeeper Theertha Satish provided a rapid start with 30 off 18 deliveries. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered against the brilliance of Zimbabwe’s Kudzai Chigora, who picked up a remarkable 5 wickets for just 7 runs. Beloved Biza also chipped in with 3 wickets to restrict UAE to a subpar total.
Zimbabwe’s chase started poorly, losing three wickets within two overs. However, Josephine Nkomo steadied the innings with a composed 30*, while Tawananyasha Marumani added a crucial 13* down the order. Despite a valiant effort from UAE’s bowlers, Zimbabwe Women reached 94/7 in 19.2 overs to seal a 3-wicket victory.
Key Performances:
- Kudzai Chigora (Zimbabwe): 5/7 (4 overs)
- Josephine Nkomo (Zimbabwe): 30* (25 balls)
- Esha Oza (UAE): 34 (38 balls)
- Theertha Satish (UAE): 30 (18 balls)
Brief Scores:
UAE Women: 93 all out in 17 overs (Esha Oza 34, Theertha Satish 30, Kudzai Chigora 5/7, Beloved Biza 3/9)
Zimbabwe Women: 94/7 in 19.2 overs (Josephine Nkomo 30*, Beloved Biza 18, Heena Hotchandani 2/10)
Result: Zimbabwe Women won by 3 wickets.
Player of the Match: Kudzai Chigora – 5/7 (4 overs)
