The Zimbabwe national women’s cricket team survived a collapse to hold on to a one-wicket win over the USA at Takashinga Sports Club on Thursday and keep alive their hopes of reaching the Super Six stage of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
After narrowly losing their first match against Thailand on Sunday, anything else except a victory would have seen the Lady Chevrons crash out of contention for a place in the Super Six phase where the top three teams will qualify for next year’s global showpiece.
Zimbabwe win by 1️⃣ wicket against United States of America in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier at Takashinga Cricket Club.#ZIMWvUSAW | #WCWCqualifiers pic.twitter.com/kzjyBPZxs1
— Zimbabwe Women's Cricket (@zimbabwewomen) November 25, 2021
The hosts appeared well on course for a dominant win after winning the toss and electing to field before dismissing their opponents for a paltry 131 runs in 44.5 overs.
The USA started fairly well with the opening batters adding 38 runs in 8.5 overs, once they lost Gargi Bhogle to Precious Marange, none of the batters could stay longer at the crease and only skipper Sindhu Sriharsha (22) scored more than 20 runs.
The USA also benefitted from the 23 extras given by the Zimbabwe bowlers.
Spinner Loreen Tshuma was the best bowler with figures of three for 19 from her ten overs which would later earn her the player of the match award, while Marange finished with two wickets.
In reply, Zimbabwe got to off to a good start with Sharne Mayers (32) and Modester Mupachikwa (22) sharing a 57 run opening stand. Once Geetika Kodali and Tara Norris removed them in quick succession, Zimbabwe went from 57 for no loss to 87 for seven in the 20th over.
Francisca Chipare rescued a Zimbabwe side that was teetering on the brink of defeat, cracking three fours while batting at number 11 in a 15-ball innings to secure a nail-biting one-wicket victory.
The 31-year old USA seamer Moksha Chaudhary grabbed four wickets while Norris claimed two wickets.