Zimbabwe Women Outclass USA in T20 Warm-up Clash
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Warm-up match between the United States of America Women and Zimbabwe Women on April 21, 2024, proved to be a riveting encounter showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of both teams. Held under the floodlights, this 20-over match promised an exciting prelude to the upcoming tournament.
Zimbabwe Women won the toss and elected to field first, presumably banking on their bowling strength to contain the United States of America’s batting lineup and set a chaseable target which can be considered the right decision.
USA Women commenced their innings with Gargi Bhogle and Disha Dhingra at the crease. However, an early breakthrough by Lindokuhle Mabhero dismissed Bhogle cheaply for just 2 runs. Dhingra and Anika Kolan steadied the ship, stitching together a crucial partnership. Dhingra showcased her prowess with a knock of 22 runs before falling victim to Nomvelo Sibanda’s bowling. Kolan anchored the innings with a composed 37 runs before being caught by Sibanda off Mabhero’s delivery.
Captain Sindhu Sriharsha contributed significantly with a brisk 32 runs, guiding her team to a respectable total. Isani Vaghela and Geetika Kodali provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten at 19 and 5 runs, respectively. The US Women concluded their innings at 124/4 after 20 overs, setting a competitive target for Zimbabwe.
In pursuit of 125 runs, Zimbabwe Women faced an early setback as opener Sharne Mayers departed after scoring 5 runs off Geetika Kodali’s bowling. Modester Mupachikwa and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano attempted to stabilize the innings but lost wickets at crucial intervals. Mugeri-Tiripano’s valiant effort of 38 runs provided impetus to Zimbabwe’s chase, supported by captain Josephine Nkomo, who also scored 38 runs.
Despite losing wickets, Zimbabwe Women maintained the required run rate, with Kelis Ndhlovu and Pellagia Mujaji ensuring a steady flow of runs towards the end. Ndhlovu remained unbeaten at 10 runs, steering her team to victory alongside Mujaji, who played a blistering cameo of 10 runs off just 4 balls. Zimbabwe Women reached the target of 125 runs in 19 overs, securing a hard-fought win in the warm-up match.
Both teams showcased disciplined bowling efforts throughout the match. For the United States of America Women, Geetika Kodali, Aditiba Chudasama, and Ritu Singh claimed crucial wickets, while Jessica Willathgamuwa provided vital breakthroughs.
Zimbabwe Women’s bowling attack, led by Lindokuhle Mabhero and Audrey Mazvishaya, effectively contained the opposition’s batting onslaught, ensuring regular breakthroughs to restrict the scoring rate.
