Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S challenging tour of New Zealand continued at Hamilton yesterday with a ten-wicket defeat in the third and last T20I women’s cricket match, as the hosts completed a clean sweep of the series.
While the 64 for 9 they posted was their lowest total of the series, it contained a story of resilience amidst the dominance of the White Ferns. After being put in to bat, Zimbabwe’s top order was blown away by a ruthless New Zealand attack. The side slumped to a perilous 10 for 6 in the seventh over, a position from which a total inside 10 overs seemed a real possibility.
Kelis Ndhlovu was the first to fall, caught behind off Jess Kerr, and a chaotic run-out next ball saw Modester Mupachikwa depart for a duck.
The procession continued as Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, and others followed cheaply, with spinner Nensi Patel (3-8) proving particularly destructive. From the abyss of 10 for 6, a fightback was needed, and it came from an unlikely source. The lower order, led by Adel Zimunu and the unbeaten Audrey Mazvishaya, dug in to restore some pride. The pair combined for a gritty 42-run partnership for the eighth wicket, spanning more than eight overs.
Zimunu, scoring 20, played with positive intent before becoming Patel’s third victim. Mazvishaya, however, remained a pillar of resolve, finishing on 20 not out from 32 balls.
Her knock, which included the team’s only boundary of the innings, was crucial in ensuring Zimbabwe batted out their full 20 overs.
Facing a target of just 65, New Zealand’s openers showed no mercy.
Isabella Gaze, in her third consecutive player-of-the-match performance, smashed an unbeaten 38 from just 20 balls to seal the win inside six overs.
The target was always going to be insufficient against a rampant home side, but for Zimbabwe, the focus will be on the character shown in the middle overs with the bat. The series ends 3-0, a fair reflection of the gulf in class and world ranking between the two sides.
However, the fight shown by Mazvishaya, Zimunu and the bowlers who toiled valiantly on unresponsive wickets could provide a foundation to build on.
The attention now turns to the three-match ODI series beginning in Dunedin on March 5, where Zimbabwe will have another opportunity to test themselves against a top-tier nation and search for that elusive first win of the tour.
