Andrew
Online Reporter
FIFTY50 Challenge defending champions, Mountaineers Women, finally found a way to win again when they recorded their first victory of the season on Monday.
As if to put into perspective the difficulties the champions have been undergoing, they needed the help of the Duckworth-Lewis method to overcome Tuskers by two runs.
It was the Mutare-based franchise’s first win in five matches.
After winning the toss, Mountaineers Women opted to field first.
Their bowling innings started on a bright note as they sent Tuskers opener, Chiedza Dhururu, back to the pavilion with the third ball of the match.
Within 20 overs, Tuskers were down to 60 for the loss of four wickets.
The coming in of the experienced pair of Nomvelo Sibanda and Tasmeen Granger stabilised the Bulawayo-based franchise’s batting, as the duo posted the biggest partnership of the innings, worth 52 runs for the fifth wicket.
Tuskers Women finished on 199 for nine in 50 overs, with their total aided by 81 extras including a massive 62 wides.
Francisca Chipare was the most successful Mountaineers bowler with three wickets, while Loryn Phiri and Nyasha Gwanzura each claimed two.
With a target of 200 to chase in 50 overs, Mountaineers had a disastrous start as Anita Chisirimunhu bowled Evelyn Chisingarambwi for one and Mazvishaya for a duck, off consecutive deliveries to leave the score at three for two in the fourth over.
Phiri and Gwanzura however stabilised the innings and were still together when rain interrupted play after 27.3 overs, with the total being 87 for two.
With the players unable to come back onto the field due to the rain disruption, the result had to be decided using Duckworth-Lewis calculations, which gave Mountaineers Women victory by two runs – their first win in five attempts.
Online Reporter