Papua New Guinea T20, ODI series await cricket Golden girls

THERE will be no time to rest for the African Games gold-winning Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team, as they are set to return to action by engaging in three One-dayers and three T20Is against Papua New Guinea that will be played between March 24 and April 2 in Harare.

The ODI matches will be played on March 24, 26 and 28 while the T20 matches will take place on March 30, 31 and April 2 at Harare Sports Club.

The engagement is part of preparations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next month.

The Global Qualifier in Abu Dhabi will see 10 teams compete for two spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The top six teams from the T20 World Cup in 2023 in South Africa — Australia, South Africa, England, India, New Zealand, and the West Indies — earned direct qualification while Bangladesh qualified as hosts and Pakistan by virtue of their position in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings.

The Global Qualifier has 10 teams: Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, UAE, USA, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.

The Global Qualifier will determine who will take on already qualified teams in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh.

According to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), the triumphant Lady Chevrons will regroup today from a much-needed break after the African Games.

They will hold their first training tomorrow morning.

The Anny Musonda captained side made history by winning the first-ever gold medal in cricket at the African Games in Accra, Ghana.

Zimbabwe beat South Africa by two wickets in a Super Over after the scores were tied. After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe made 112-5 in 20 overs while South Africa reached 112-7 in 20 replies.

In the Super Over, South Africa were 2-2, leaving Zimbabwe needing three runs to win in six balls.

The Lady Chevrons made 4/0 to clinch the gold medal. — @innocentskizoe