By Zim Sport Live Writer
Allrounder Loreen Tshuma scored her maiden ODI century as Zimbabwe sealed a commanding 128-run win over the USA and ensure a share of the spoils in the two-match series.
After slipping to a shock seven wicket loss in the first match on Friday, the Lady Chevrons, who won the T20I series 2-1 ended their maiden tour of the USA by comfortably cruising to victory in Texas.
Tshuma was the star of the show as she hit 137 from 149 balls while skipper Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (61) and Kelis Ndhlovu (54) chipped in with half centuries as Zimbabwe posted a challenging total of 270-3.
Prior to scoring her century, which included 17 fours, Tshuma, who has been putting a lot of work on her batting over the last few months, had averaged a measly 5.75 runs from 14 innings in ODIs.
Zimbabwe’s imposing total proved too much for the Americans, who were bowled out for 142 in 42.1 overs.
The Lady Chevrons combined their disciplined bowling with superb fielding to great effect as they completed five run-outs.
With this dominant win, Zimbabwe Women secured a series-levelling victory in emphatic style.
Loreen Tshuma’s heroic 137 earned her the Player of the Match award and stood out as the defining performance of the day.
The two-match ODI series ended 1–1, following USA’s seven-wicket win in the first ODI.
Zimbabwe, however, will take great satisfaction from their tour, having also clinched the preceding three-match Women’s T20I series 2–1.
USA’s build-up to the final match of the tour was overshadowed by news that they would be losing their ODI status to the UAE after the series, having failed to meet the necessary criteria, lost their ODI status ahead of the new cycle.
Per ICC regulations, teams must play at least eight ODIs during the three- to four-year period to gain or maintain their ODI ranking.
Scores in brief
Zimbabwe Women 270/3 (50 overs)
USA Women 142(42.1 overs)
Result: Zimbabwe Women won by 128 runs
Teams:
Zimbabwe Women (Playing XI): Modester Mupachikwa(w), Kelis Ndhlovu, Loreen Tshuma, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano(c), Beloved Biza, Chiedza Dhururu, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Adel Zimunu, Nomvelo Sibanda, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Tendai Makusha
United States of America Women (Playing XI): Disha Dhingra, Mitali Patwardhan, Chetna Pagydyala, Aditi Chudasama(c), Pooja Ganesh(w), Ritu Priya Singh, Chetnaa Prasad, Jessica Willathgamuwa, Saanvi Immadi, Geetika Kodali, Maahi Madhavan