Zimbabwe Women Take 1-0 Lead After Dominant Win Over USA
At the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on April 25, 2025, Zimbabwe Women secured a commanding 28-run victory over the United States Women in the first T20I of their tour. With this win, Zimbabwe Women took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, thanks largely to the outstanding all-round performance of Beloved Biza, who was rightly named Player of the Match.
After winning the toss, USA Women elected to field first, hoping to restrict Zimbabwe to a manageable total. However, despite a shaky start, Zimbabwe managed to post a competitive score of 124 for 7 in their 20 overs. The innings began poorly for Zimbabwe with Kelis Ndhlovu dismissed for a duck in just the first over, and Modester Mupachikwa falling soon after for 3. Captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano tried to steady the innings but was dismissed for 15.
The momentum shifted when Loreen Tshuma and Beloved Biza formed a crucial middle-order partnership. Tshuma played a lively knock, hitting 38 off just 27 balls, including five boundaries and a six. Biza anchored the innings with a composed 33 from 34 balls, ensuring Zimbabwe posted a fighting total. Josephine Nkomo added a valuable 22 not out towards the end. Geetika Kodali was the standout bowler for USA, claiming 3 wickets for 25 runs.
In reply, USA Women found the chase difficult right from the start. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Beloved Biza and supported by a disciplined attack, applied consistent pressure. Disha Dhingra showed resilience with a cautious 16 from 30 balls, but the wickets kept falling at regular intervals. After the fall of Dhingra and Chetna Pagydyala, who top-scored for USA with 25, the middle order collapsed dramatically.
Biza’s bowling was a highlight, as she claimed three vital wickets for just 18 runs in her four overs. She removed Pagydyala, Vaghela, and Shastri in quick succession, derailing USA’s chase. Loreen Tshuma and Precious Marange also picked up a wicket each, while Adel Zimunu delivered a remarkably economical spell, giving away only 8 runs in her four overs.
Despite late resistance from captain Aditiba Chudasama (17 not out) and wicketkeeper Pooja Ganesh (21 not out), USA Women could only manage 96 for 6 in their 20 overs, falling well short of the target. Extras, particularly wides, contributed 10 runs to USA’s total, but it was not enough to bridge the gap created by Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
The win showcased Zimbabwe Women’s ability to recover from early setbacks with grit and teamwork. Their bowlers executed their plans perfectly, ensuring a comfortable win and momentum heading into the next match. USA Women, on the other hand, will need to regroup and improve their batting performance if they are to stay alive in the series.
The second T20I which will take place on April 27th, promises to be another thrilling encounter as the United States looks to bounce back and Zimbabwe aims to seal the series.
