Pagydyala’s Unbeaten Ton Help USA Women End Series on a High
The final match of the USA Women’s Tour of Zimbabwe concluded on October 28, 2024, at the Harare Sports Club, providing a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts. Zimbabwe Women secured the series with a 3-2 lead, but the USA Women showcased a stellar performance to clinch a consolation victory by seven wickets, led by an unbeaten 136 from Chetna Pagydyala, who was named Player of the Match.
After winning the toss, the USA Women elected to field, putting Zimbabwe Women to bat first. The Zimbabwean innings started with an early setback as Sharne Mayers fell for a duck in the first over, caught by Claridge off the bowling of Tara Norris. However, Modester Mupachikwa and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano stabilized the innings with a significant partnership. Mupachikwa played a solid knock of 59 runs off 78 balls, including nine boundaries, while Mugeri-Tiripano contributed a brisk 60 off 68 balls with eight fours.
Despite the promising start, Zimbabwe’s middle order struggled to maintain momentum. Beloved Biza and Ashley Ndiraya added minor contributions of 10 and 39 runs respectively. Captain Josephine Nkomo provided a steady hand with an unbeaten 40 off 52 balls, guiding Zimbabwe to a respectable total of 246 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. The USA’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Ritu Singh, who took 2 for 37 in her 10 overs, and Aditiba Chudasama, who also claimed two crucial wickets.
Chasing a target of 247, USA Women’s openers stepped up to the challenge. Chetna Pagydyala led from the front with an outstanding innings, anchoring the chase with her unbeaten 136 off 152 balls. Her innings was laced with 18 boundaries, and she maintained a strike rate of 89.47. Pagydyala’s commanding presence at the crease ensured the USA Women remained on track throughout their innings.
Disha Dhingra provided substantial support with a well-crafted 34 off 45 balls, setting a solid foundation for the chase. Despite losing Dhingra in the 20th over, Pagydyala’s determined performance kept the USA Women ahead. Anika Kolan and Ella Claridge fell cheaply, but Sindhu Sriharsha joined Pagydyala to steer the team home. Sriharsha 35 off 39 balls, including two boundaries, helped USA Women reach the target comfortably with 34 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers faced a tough challenge against the USA’s resilient batting lineup. Josephine Nkomo was the most economical, conceding just 25 runs in her 8 overs. Audrey Mazvishaya and Olinder Chare managed to claim a wicket each, but the rest of the bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. The USA Women capitalized on the loose deliveries, with Pagydyala punishing any errant bowling.
The final match of the series was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams. Although Zimbabwe Women emerged victorious in the series, winning 3-2, the USA Women’s triumph in the last game highlighted their potential and determination. Chetna Pagydyala’s remarkable century will be remembered as one of the standout performances of the tour, demonstrating her skill and resilience under pressure. The series provided valuable experience for both teams and showcased the growing talent in women’s cricket.
As the teams reflect on the series, they can take pride in their performances and look forward to future contests with renewed confidence and aspirations.
