Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE women wrapped up their home series against the United Arab Emirates on a low note yesterday after an eight-run defeat in the second and final T20 International at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Chasing 131 for victory, Zimbabwe fell short at 122 for eight, surrendering the series 2–0. It capped a frustrating outing for the hosts, who had also been held to a 2–2 draw in the preceding four-match One Day International series.
The Lady Chevrons were sent in to field first and did well early on, limiting UAE to 130 for seven in their 20 overs. But with the bat, they once again failed to build meaningful partnerships when it mattered.
“It’s very disappointing, we had prepared well for the series,” said head coach Walter Chawaguta. “We knew they’d come hard at us with spin and play attacking cricket. We just didn’t respond well to key moments, even when we looked in control.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t make the right decisions with both bat and ball. Our fielding also let us down badly, that’s another area we have to fix before next year’s qualifiers.”
Zimbabwe’s bowlers gave them a decent platform. Kudzai Chigora struck early, removing UAE captain Esha Oza for four, before dismissing Rinitha Rajith for seven to leave the visitors reeling at 24 for two.
Lindokuhle Mabhera broke a 40-run third-wicket stand by catching and bowling Heena Hotchandani for 11, then took the big wicket of Theertha Satish, who top-scored with 44 off 38 balls.
Francisca Chipare chipped in with two scalps, including Michelle Botha (36), while Chigora and Mabhera also finished with two wickets apiece.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s batting woes resurfaced. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals, with Modester Mupachikwa and Loryn Phiri providing the only real fight. The pair’s late stand gave faint hope, but the hosts entered the final over needing 15 runs, a bridge too far. Mupachikwa top scored with 39 off 34 balls, Phiri added 31 from 27, and teenage all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu chipped in with 17. Nyasha Gwanzura was the only other batter in double figures, making 11.
Hotchandani starred with the ball for UAE, taking three wickets for 17 runs, while Nandakumar, Suraksha Kotte, and Oza claimed one each to seal the win.
Zimbabwe will now regroup and focus on ironing out the costly lapses that defined this home series.
