Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Lady Chevrons suffered their second defeat at the ongoing 2026 T20 Women’s World Cup global qualifier succumbing to a painful one run defeat at the hands of Thailand at Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu in Nepal yesterday morning. The defeat left Zimbabwe with a tall order for qualification into the Super Six as they sit second from bottom of a five team group B.
Only the top three teams each from the two groups will proceed to the Super Six stage where the top four would then secure qualification to the 2026 T20 Women’s World Cup to be hosted by England. After winning the toss, Lady Chevrons skipper, Chipo Tiripano-Mugeri opted to bowl first sending Thailand in to bat first. Zimbabwe got an early break with the second ball of the match as Aphisara Suwanchonrathi was caught out by Audrey Mazvishaya off a Josephine Nkomo delivery.
Despite the early set-back, Thailand managed to steady their innings as they went on to score 49 runs before losing their second wicket of the day. Natthakan Chantam, was caught behind by Modester Mupachikwa off Adel Zimunu’s delivery.
At the half-way stage of their innings, Thailand had 61-2. Zimunu was back to haunt the Thai batting, claiming her second wicket of the day in the 16th over. Thailand’s batting line up collapsed from then on as they lost three wickets in the 18th over. Mazvishaya was involved in the three dismissals. She claimed her first wicket, dismissing Chanida Sutthiruang from a leg-before–wicket (lbw) before being involved in the run-out of Nannapat Koncharoenkai. She capped off her fine over dismissing Suwanan Khiaoto with a ball to spare in her over. Phannita Maya was run out by Beloved Biza with four balls remaining in the innings.
Zimbabwe managed to restrict Thailand to 115 runs from 20 overs.
Needing 116 runs to win, Zimbabwe fell short of recording their first victory at the qualifiers as they were restricted to 114 runs losing their second match of the tournament by one run. Zimbabwe had a false start to the chase as they lost opener, Bhiza with the fourth ball of the first over with only four runs on board.
Mugeri was to depart the middle in the fifth over. At half-way Zimbabwe chase looked gloomy as the board read 42-2. Zimbabwe had an improved outing in the last 10 overs as they went on aggressive mode scoring 72 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.
