Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe’s much-anticipated entry into the ICC Women’s Championship at home ended in a false start yesterday after the Lady Chevrons suffered a 99-run defeat to the West Indies in the opening ODI at Harare Sports Club.
The Lady Chevrons, playing their first home ICC Women’s Championship match, were bowled out for 200 runs in 43.3 overs after West Indies had posted a formidable 299 for six after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first before posting a total of 229 for in their allotted 50 overs.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews led the batting innings for West Indies producing a magnificent 182 off 156 balls to anchor the innings.
Matthews and Realeanna Grimmond laid the foundation for the West Indies with a commanding opening stand of 128 before Grimmond was dismissed for 50 in the 24th over.
Grimmond reached her half-century from 58 balls, hitting seven fours and a six, while Matthews continued to dominate at the other end.
Stafanie Taylor followed soon after for 11, leaving the visitors on 139 for two after 26.1 overs, but Matthews remained in control and brought up her century from 108 deliveries, having already struck 14 fours.
She eventually marched to 150 from 140 balls, with 20 fours and two sixes, before falling in the 50th over with the West Indies firmly in command.
Shemaine Campbelle contributed 35, while Chinelle Henry made a useful 34 as the West Indies accelerated towards the 300-run mark.
Francisca Chipare led Zimbabwe bowling innings with two wickets of Taylor and Henry.
Beloved Biza, Tendai Makusha and Nyasha Gwanzura each claimed the wickets of Grimmond, Matthews and Campbelle respectively.
Zimbabwe made an encouraging start with the ball but struggled to contain Matthews once she settled in, with the visitors scoring 299 for six from their 50 overs.
Chasing 300, Zimbabwe lost Sharne Mayers for 20 in the seventh over before Kelis Ndhlovu followed six overs later, leaving the hosts 51 for two after 10 overs.
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Modester Mupachikwa then attempted to rebuild the innings, with the pair taking Zimbabwe past 100.
Mupachikwa provided the bulk of the resistance, reaching a fighting half-century from 75 balls, including four fours and a six.
Her dismissal for 57 in the 34th over, however, triggered another collapse as Zimbabwe slipped from 152 for five to 181 for nine.
Josephine Nkomo made 22 before becoming the fifth wicket at 152, while Nyasha Gwanzura, Michelle Mavunga, Olinder Chare and Francisca Chipare all fell in quick succession.
Mupachikwa was eventually the last wicket to fall, as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 200 in the 44th over.
