NEW: Gems fall to heavyweights Australia

Veronica Gwaze in CAPE TOWN, South Africa

THE Zimbabwe senior netball team opened their 2023 Netball World Cup encounter with an 86-30 defeat to heavyweights Australia.

Meeting the Aussies in their opening encounter was always going to be a mammoth task for the Gems.

They were defeated 73-37 by the same opponent when they met for the first time at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool.

In Friday’s encounter, the 11-time champions dominated from the onset and were leading 41-18 at halftime.

However, the Gems proved to be physically stronger.

Assistant coach Tatenda Shinya said they used the opening game to gauge the team’s performance ahead Fiji and Tonga fixtures.

“The game was a brain teaser. We now have a picture of who we are,” he said.

“We started off well but in the second half, the game proved tough as we failed to contain the pressure.

“Aussies are the giants and are among the tournament favourites, but we managed to score well, especially in the first half, which means if we had contained the pressure and remained constant, we would have reduced the score-line,” said Shinya.

On Saturday, the Gems face Fiji, as they seek their first win of the tournament.

Goalkeeper Elizabeth Mushore said the team needs mental strength and consistency if they are to make it past Fiji and Tonga.

“We need mental strength in the next two games. We somehow lacked that against Australia, so it is something that we need to address as a team,” she said.