Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Lady Chevrons’ entry into the ICC Women’s Championship at home was not a happy outing as they crashed to a 99-run defeat at the hands of the West Indies in the opening ODI at Harare Sports Club.
The Zimbabweans, playing their first home ICC Women’s Championship match, were bowled out for 200 runs in 43.3 overs.
West Indies had posted a formidable 299 for six after winning the toss and electing to bat first. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews led from the front by 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’s attack with two wickets of Taylor and Henry.
Beloved Biza, Tendai Makusha and Nyasha Gwanzura each claimed the wickets of Grimmond, Matthews and Campbelle respectively.
The visitors scored 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.
Mathew Masinge