USA Women Outplay Zimbabwe to Lead ODI Series 1-0
The first match of the Zimbabwe Women’s tour of the United States took place on May 1, 2025, at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. It was a 50-over match, but due to restrictions, each side was limited to 40 overs. The United States of America Women’s team, after winning the toss, elected to field first — a decision that proved strategic and effective.
Zimbabwe Women began their innings cautiously, but they struggled to build strong partnerships. Opener Modester Mupachikwa was the top scorer with a steady 35 off 59 balls, holding the innings together initially. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, thanks to disciplined bowling from the USA. Aditiba Chudasama, who was later named Player of the Match, made a huge impact with her spell, taking 2 wickets for just 29 runs. Saanvi Immadi also impressed, claiming 2 wickets for 26 runs. Zimbabwe’s middle order collapsed, with both Loreen Tshuma and captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano dismissed for ducks.
Despite the setbacks, Beloved Biza played a crucial knock of 64 off 79 balls, anchoring Zimbabwe’s innings and pushing the total to a competitive 162 for 9 in 40 overs. Biza’s effort was supported by short cameos from Runyararo Pasipanodya (15) and Adel Zimunu (21), but the USA’s sharp fielding, including three run-outs, kept Zimbabwe in check. The USA bowlers worked as a unit, with only Geetika Kodali going wicketless but still maintaining a tidy economy rate.
Chasing 163, the USA Women’s team started with an early setback when Mitali Patwardhan fell leg-before-wicket for a duck. However, Disha Dhingra stabilized the innings with a composed 51 off 73 balls. She found an able partner in Chetna Pagydyala, who played a patient and unbeaten knock of 59 from 108 balls. Together, they added a valuable partnership, frustrating Zimbabwe’s bowlers. Captain Aditiba Chudasama contributed a brisk 33 off 41 balls, showing leadership both with the bat and earlier with the ball.
By the time Chudasama was run out at 158, the USA was well within sight of victory. Wicketkeeper Pooja Ganesh then struck the winning runs with a boundary, finishing unbeaten on 4 from just one ball. The USA reached the target in 38.1 overs with seven wickets in hand, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
