DIMUNITIVE batter Modester Mupachikwa was outstanding for the Zimbabwe women's national cricket team after scoring 57 runs off 107 balls to steer the team to a One Day International (ODI) series win against Papau New Guinea at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday (today).
The in-form Mupachikwa who was the batter of the tournament at the recently ended African Games in Accra, Ghana helped the Lady Chevrons to a two-wicket victory to take a took a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Zimbabwe led by skipper Mary-Anne Musonda won the toss and chose to field. The touris crumbled to a meagre 125 all out in 35.4 overs. Vice captain and seamer Josephine Nkomo did the damage with the ball taking three wickets for 18 runs from eight overs. Fellow pacer Francisca Chipare also claimed three wickets for 15 runs in 6.4 overs while Kudzai Chigora claimed two scalps.
The Lady Chevrons then set out to chase a target of 126 runs but were very conservant in the power play scoring 21 runs for the loss of one wicket after Kellis Ndhlovu was dismissed for eight.
Musonda contributed 19 runs to the tally in a 34-run third wicket partnership with Mupachikwa before marching back to the hut.
Zimbabwe struggled against spin and found themselves on 78/6 after 27.5 overs. However, the loon-hearted Mupachikwa maintained her composure getting the team over the line with 45 balls remaining.
Off-spinner Vicky Araa claimed four wickets for 19 runs from nine overs while compatriot Haneo Thomas picked three for 30 in 8.3 overs.
- Inside Sport: Local stadiums in urgent need of attention
- Ghetto dances: When love of money goes beyond bounds of sanctity
- Dawson pleased ahead of World Cup qualifiers
- Eva heads for Miss Heritage Global
