Loreen Tshuma helped the Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team force a draw in the second one-day international (ODI) against Ireland in a rain affected match at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Ireland needed six runs to win the match in the last over, chasing a revised target of 203 in 43 overs after Zimbabwe batted first and scored 227/9 in 50 overs.Tshuma stepped up to bowl the final over on the instruction of captain, Mary-Anne Musonda. She conceded four runs off her first four deliveries against Jane Maguire and Ava Canning and stifled the tourists.
Seasoned campaigner, Ashley Ndiraya handed debutant, Lindokuhle Mabhera her ODI cap at the start of the proceedings after skipper, Musonda lost the toss and was asked to bat first.
Musonda together with wicketkeeper batter, Dhururu put up a 9-run partnership for the first wicket before the skipper was bowled out by Laura Delaney for 41 runs off 55 balls after 20.5 overs.
Dhururu fell for 46 runs, five deliveries later, while Pellagia Mujaji was bowled out by Arlene Kelly for 25 runs to leave Zimbabwe on 129/3 after 31.3 overs. Ndiraya (41), Kelis Ndhlovu (34) and Precious Marange (19) ensured that the Lady Chevrons reach 227 for the loss of nine wickets with Kelly claiming for wickets for Ireland for 35 runs in 10 overs, while Murray, Delaney and Freya Sargent took a wicket each.
Ireland tried to take the onslaught on the Zimbabwean bowlers with openers, Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis scoring 34 and 42 runs, respectively, while Rebecca Stokell (30), Amy Hunter (21), Kelly (18), and Orla Prendergast (15) managed double figure scores.
The Lady Chevrons were, however, somehow wasteful giving away 25 extras, eight byes, two leg byes and 15 wides compared to Ireland's 11 extras (two byes, four leg byes and five wides).
Ndhlovu finished with three wickets for 36 runs in nine overs, while Tshuma took two and Marange one.
The third and final ODI is set for tomorrow at Harare Sports Club.
