Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
SOUTHERNS Ladies clinched the Zimbabwe Cricket Women’s T20 Regional Series after cruising to a seven wicket win over Northerns in the second match at Old Hararians Sports Club yesterday.
The result gave Southerns an unassailable 2-0 lead, adding to their six wicket victory in Monday’s opener.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Southerns bundled out Northerns for a modest 78 in 15,5 overs before calmly chasing the target in 17,3 overs to finish on 79/3.
Francisca Chipare led the charge with the ball, grabbing three wickets for just nine runs in her three overs. She bowled Loryn Phiri for eight, removed Christabel Chatonzwa for 14 off 19 balls, and dismissed Passionate Munorwei for two with a sharp caught and bowled effort.
Christine Mutasa matched her with three wickets for 22 runs, claiming Beloved Biza (6), Modester Mupachikwa (0), and Nokutenda Makanhiwa (0) to rip through the top order. Nyasha Gwanzura added two wickets for three runs, while Kudzai Chigora and Kate Ebrahim chipped in with one each.
Only Kelis Ndhlovu (23 off 22) and Chatonzwa (14) managed double figures for Northerns.
In reply, Southerns’ chase was steady. Vimbai Mutungwindu top scored with an unbeaten 21 off 17 balls, while Natasha Mtomba made 19 off 37. Josephine Nkomo retired hurt on 12, and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano added 11.
For Northerns, Nomvelo Sibanda took 1/10 in three overs, Phiri finished with 1/7 in two, and the third wicket came via a run out.
The third and final match of the series is scheduled for today. These regional fixtures are part of Zimbabwe’s women’s team preparations for their upcoming tour of India, where they’ll face Thailand and Mumbai State ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Nepal next January.
