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EAGLES Women successfully defended their Fifty50 Championship title with a convincing five-wicket win over Tuskers Women, with 147 balls to spare at Old Hararians Sports Club on Tuesday.
Rising star Beloved Biza played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 44 runs off 64 balls as the Eagles chased down Tuskers' total of 124 in just 25.3 overs, reaching 125/5.
Biza received valuable support from Adelle Zimunu, who scored a quick 22 from 27 balls, and Vimbai Mutingwindu, who played an anchoring role with 14 runs from 31 balls.
Eagles' bowlers Esther Mbofana and Kelis Ndhlovu each took two wickets to restrict Tuskers, despite a solid effort from Tasmeen Granger, who scored 51 runs off 71 balls. However, Tuskers fought back, claiming early wickets including Ndhlovu for a two-ball duck and Modester Mupachikwa for nine runs in 13 balls within the first few overs.
The Eagles found themselves at 23 runs for the loss of three wickets after 4.1 overs following the dismissal of Christabel Chatonzwa for three runs.
However, a 48-run fourth-wicket partnership between Biza and Zimunu steadied the ship, followed by a 40-run partnership between Biza and Mutingwindu. Precious Marange contributed four runs to help the Eagles secure victory after coming in with the score at 111 in the 23rd over.
In the third-place playoff, Mountaineers Women secured a six-wicket victory over Rhinos Women at Harare Sports Club. Rhinos made 89 runs, all out in 27.1 overs, and Mountaineers successfully chased the target, reaching 90 for the loss of four wickets in 26.2 overs.
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