ZIMBABWE opened their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Africa with an easy 62-run win over Kenya at the Entebbe Cricket Ground in Uganda yesterday.
The Lady Chevrons’ captain, Mary-Anne Musonda lost the toss and was asked to bat first as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 111 runs in their 20 overs.
Kenya failed to complement their fine bowling display with the bat as they choked for just 49 runs inside 15.4 overs.
A total of 160 runs by the two sides went down into the books as the lowest match aggregate involving these teams in T20 Women’s Cricket.
The previous lowest match aggregate was 198 when the two sides clashed in Kampala, Uganda during the Victoria Tri Series in April 2019. Zimbabwe won that encounter by six runs after scoring 102/8 and restricting Kenya to 96/9.
But yesterday, the Lady Chevrons lost skipper Musonda in the first over for four runs and her opening partner, Modester Mupachikwa (7) in the sixth over.
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After 5.1 overs, Zimbabwe were on 39/2 while also sweating over seasoned campaigner, Kelis Ndhlovu who was retired hurt on one run after facing only three deliveries.
Left-handed, clean hitter, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano top scored with 31 runs from 17 balls batting at number three; Josephine Nkomo weighed in with a 28-ball 26 in middle order while Ashley Ndiraya added 16 runs from 20 balls batting at number four.
Precious Marange and Lindokuhle Mabhero ran out of balls finishing the innings unbeaten on nine and two runs respectively.
Zimbabwe then summoned their experience in the field with Loreen Tshuma rattling through the Kenyan batting line up to end the match with three wickets for 14 runs from four overs.
Left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda and spinner Marange picked two wickets each while Nkomo and Mabhero took a wicket apiece.
“We are really excited to be here and our plan is going to be simple – take it one game at a time,” Musonda told Ugandan media.
The Lady Chevrons take on Botswana in their Group A second match tomorrow and end their round robin games against Tanzania on Wednesday.
The finalists qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier set for next year. Group B comprises hosts Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia and Nigeria.
Uganda Cricket Association chief executive Alan Mugume is delighted to host the ongoing qualifiers.
“As a host nation, we are proud to be hosting the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers. The weather has not been very kind to us during the preparations but our grounds team has done a fantastic job in ensuring that the ground is fit for play and that we have a great tournament. We wish all the eight nations a fabulous time in Uganda,” he said.