By Zim Sport Live Writer
Kelis Ndhlovu’s fifth T20I half-century went in vain as Zimbabwe suffered an eight-wicket defeat to West Indies in the third T20I at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
Ndhlovu top-scored with a brisk 63 from 48 balls, including six fours and three sixes, but Zimbabwe’s 142 for six proved insufficient as West Indies reached 143 for two with 18 balls to spare to complete a 3-0 series sweep.
The Zimbabwe opener provided the foundation for the hosts after they were asked to bat, helping them reach 40 for one during the powerplay.
She then combined with Christine Mutasa to add 40 from 27 balls for the fifth wicket, helping Zimbabwe finish strongly with 41 runs coming from the final four overs.
Mutasa remained unbeaten on 24 as Zimbabwe posted 142 for six.
West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor marked a landmark of her own during the Zimbabwe innings, becoming only the fourth woman to reach 3,000 T20I runs and 100 wickets.
Taylor claimed her 100th wicket with her second delivery, having Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano stumped before returning later to dismiss Chiedza Dhururu lbw.
She finished with two for eight from four overs, while Jahzara Claxton also took two for 35.
The West Indies chase was built around Taylor, who produced a match-winning unbeaten 64 from 39 balls, including 11 fours.
Claxton contributed 38 from 37 balls and shared a 71-run second-wicket partnership with Taylor as the visitors took control of the chase.
Beloved Biza eventually dismissed Claxton for the only West Indies wicket to fall, but Taylor completed the job with ease.
The difference between the sides came during the middle overs, with Zimbabwe managing 61 for three between the seventh and 16th overs compared with West Indies’ 85 for one during the same period.
The defeat completed a difficult white-ball campaign for Zimbabwe, who were also beaten 2-1 by West Indies in the preceding ODI series.
For Ndhlovu, however, her latest half-century provided another positive in a challenging series as she continues to establish herself at the top of Zimbabwe’s batting order.
Scores in brief
West Indies 143-2 (Taylor 64, Claxton 38) beat Zimbabwe 142-6 (Ndhlovu 63, Mutasa 24) by eight wickets.
