Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Women will face another stern international test when they host West Indies Women in a six-match white-ball series in Harare later this month.
The tour, comprising three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), comes as Zimbabwe continue a busy international programme that has already seen them tour New Zealand and Pakistan, while they are currently engaged in a five-match T20I series against South Africa Women in Bulawayo.
According to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), the three ODIs, which form part of the ICC Women’s Championship, will be played at Harare Sports Club on September 24, 27 and 30.
The teams will then move to Takashinga Cricket Club for the T20I leg, with matches scheduled for October 3, 5 and 7.
ZC managing director Givemore Makoni said hosting a side of West Indies’ stature would provide Zimbabwe’s players with another opportunity to gain valuable international experience.
“We are delighted to welcome West Indies Women to Harare for what promises to be an exciting series,” said Makoni.
“Regular exposure to high-quality international cricket is vital to the development of Zimbabwe Women and playing a side of West Indies’ stature gives our players another opportunity to test their skills, learn and build the experience and confidence they need to become more competitive.
“This tour adds to a busy programme for our women’s team and reflects our commitment to creating more opportunities for them at international level.”
The ODIs will be particularly important for Zimbabwe as they continue their campaign in the ICC Women’s Championship, which provides a pathway towards qualification for major global tournaments.
The series also gives the Lady Chevrons an opportunity to build on the lessons from their current home assignment against South Africa, where they have faced a strong Proteas side featuring several experienced international players.
The West Indies tour will further test Zimbabwe’s progress against established opposition while giving players an opportunity to gain experience across both 50-over and T20 cricket.
The first ODI is scheduled for September 24 at Harare Sports Club, with the match starting at 9.30am. The second ODI will also start at 9.30am on September 27, followed by the third on September 30.
The T20I series will begin at Takashinga Cricket Club on October 3, with the first match starting at 1pm. The remaining two matches will be played on October 5 and 7, both starting at noon.
MATCH SCHEDULE
September 24: Zimbabwe Women v West Indies Women, 1st ODI — Harare Sports Club, 9.30am
September 27: Zimbabwe Women v West Indies Women, 2nd ODI — Harare Sports Club, 9.30am
September 30: Zimbabwe Women v West Indies Women, 3rd ODI — Harare Sports Club, 9.30am
October 3: Zimbabwe Women v West Indies Women, 1st T20I — Takashinga Cricket Club, 1pm
October 5: Zimbabwe Women v West Indies Women, 2nd T20I — Takashinga Cricket Club, noon
October 7: Zimbabwe Women v West Indies Women, 3rd T20I — Takashinga Cricket Club, noon
