In the fourth match of the United States of America Women’s tour of Zimbabwe 2024/25, USA Women claimed a comfortable victory, winning by 4 wickets with 76 balls to spare. The win helped them keep the series alive, though Zimbabwe Women still lead the 5-match series 2-1.
Zimbabwe Women, after being put in to bat, managed a total of 179 in 48.4 overs. Opener Modester Mupachikwa anchored the innings with a patient 34 off 59 balls, hitting five boundaries. However, her dismissal at 80/2 marked the start of a middle-order collapse. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano contributed a steady 28 from 46 balls, but no other batter made a significant impact. Beloved Biza and captain Josephine Nkomo were dismissed cheaply, while lower-order contributions from Audrey Mazvishaya (26 not out) helped Zimbabwe inch closer to 180.
The star of the USA Women’s bowling attack was Geetika Kodali, who produced a remarkable spell, taking 5 wickets for 43 runs in her 10 overs. Kodali’s consistency and ability to break partnerships at key moments were crucial in restricting Zimbabwe. Saanvi Immadi also impressed with 3 wickets for 28 runs, while Isani Vaghela bowled economically, taking 1 for 16 in her 6 overs.
Chasing 180, USA got off to a solid start, thanks to their openers Disha Dhingra and Gargi Bhogle. Dhingra played an attacking knock of 41 from 46 balls, hitting 8 boundaries, while Bhogle contributed a steady 36 off 57 balls. Together, they put on a 87-run stand before Dhingra was bowled by Audrey Mazvishaya.
Although USA lost a few quick wickets, including Ella Claridge for a duck and captain Aditiba Chudasama for 0, Anika Kolan’s solid knock of 43 from 59 balls stabilized the chase. Kolan’s dismissal at 164 brought some nerves, but Sindhu Sriharsha, who remained unbeaten on 30, guided USA home with support from Tara Norris. USA finished on 182/6 in just 37.2 overs, well ahead of the required rate.
Josephine Nkomo was Zimbabwe’s best bowler, taking 2 wickets for 32 runs in her 9 overs, while Olinder Chare picked up 2 wickets as well. However, Zimbabwe’s total proved insufficient as USA capitalized on their strong start and chased down the target with ease.
Geetika Kodali was deservedly named Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling performance, which set the stage for USA’s comprehensive victory. The series now stands at 2-1 in favor of Zimbabwe, with USA looking to level it in the next match.