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Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A HALF-century from Chiedza Dhururu wasn’t enough to save the Lady Chevrons from defeat, as Zimbabwe’s senior women’s cricket team lost by 35 runs to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the opening T20I at Queens Sports Club yesterday.
Dhururu, who struck her maiden T20I half century, anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with an unbeaten 67 and shared a 72-run stand for the fifth wicket with vice-captain Josephine Nkomo. But their fightback came too late, leaving the hosts short of the 184-run target as UAE took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series ahead of today’s decider.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, UAE set a strong platform through their captain Esha Oza and opener Theertha Satish, who piled on 142 runs for the first wicket before Oza fell in the 15th over, just three runs shy of a maiden T20I century.
Her 97 off 55 balls, which included a flurry of boundaries, became her new personal best, surpassing her previous high of 82.
Lindokuhle Mabhera dismissed Oza, caught by Francisca Chipare, before striking again in the 17th over when Rinitha Rajith was caught behind by Modester Mupachikwa for seven. Satish followed near the end of the innings for 49, with Nkomo claiming her scalp via another Chipare catch. Heena Hotchandani finished unbeaten on 10 as UAE closed on 183/3.
Mabhera ended with figures of 2/29 in four overs, while Nkomo chipped in with 1/25.
Zimbabwe’s chase began disastrously. Samaira Dharnidharka ripped through the top order with a sensational hat-trick, removing Nyasha Gwanzura, Mupachikwa, and Loreen Tshuma in quick succession to leave Zimbabwe reeling at 17/3.
Kelis Ndhlovu tried to steady the innings with a brisk 22 from 16 balls before falling in the seventh over. Dhururu and Nkomo then rebuilt the innings with composure, but by the time Nkomo departed for 43 off 33 deliveries, the required rate had soared beyond reach.
Dharnidharka was the pick of the UAE bowlers, finishing with 3/19 from four overs, while Siya Gokhale and Hotchandani took two and one wickets respectively.
With UAE holding a 1-0 advantage, today’s 1:30pm decider promises to be a crucial clash, Zimbabwe chasing redemption, and the visitors eyeing a clean sweep to round off their tour.
Online Reporter