Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe women’s cricket team has returned home from their historic first bilateral series against the United States, marking a major milestone in the rise of women’s cricket in the country.
The week-long tour in Texas aimed to strengthen international ties, raise player visibility, and serve as critical preparation for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers set for October. Zimbabwe faced the USA in three T20Is and two ODIs, winning the T20I series 2-1 while the ODIs ended in a draw. All matches were hosted at Prairie View Cricket Complex in Texas.
High Performance national coach Steve Mangongo beamed with pride, applauding the team’s growth and grit.
“We actually won the series 2-1 and this is part of the bigger development pathway of cricket. We’re happy the girls are safely back home. This is also part of the preparation for the World Cup qualifiers. We have gained experience and we’ll carry it into the future,” Mangongo said.
At the heart of the series was a blazing performance from Loreen Tshuma, whose career-best 130 lit up the tour, a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
“I cannot really explain how I am feeling; I am over the moon. I have been in many countries playing cricket since 2015 and this is my first time to reach that score,” Tshuma said. Her words carried the weight of years of dedication. She added, “I’m looking forward to more hundreds.”
Beyond the match stats and scorecards, Zimbabwe’s tour to the US has added substance to the women’s game, experience, exposure, and self-belief. The team returns not only with memorable wins but also with a sharpened hunger to compete and win at the highest level.
