The Zimbabwe – West Indies Women’s ODI opener at Harare Sports Club set a clear tone for the series, with West Indies Women registering a comfortable 99-run victory. The visitors posted an imposing total of 299/6, courtesy of a masterpiece from skipper Hayley Matthews, who blasted 182 off 156 balls, alongside a solid half-century from Realeanna Grimmond. In response, Zimbabwe showed spirit through Modester Mupachikwa’s gritty 86, but their chase lost momentum against disciplined bowling spells from Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, and Jannillea Glasgow, eventually getting bowled out for 200 in 43.3 overs.
Squads:
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri Tiripano, Christina Mutasa, Francisca Chipare, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Kudzai Chigora, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Loreen Tshuma, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Loryn Phiri, Mitchel Mavunga, Modester Mupachikwa, Nomvelo Sibanda, Nyasha Gwanzura, Sharne Mayers, Tendai Makusha
West Indies Women’s Cricket Team
Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Chinelle Henry, Eboni Brathwaite, Hayley Matthews, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Realeanna Grimond, Shawnisha Hector, Shemaine Campbelle, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James
Players to watch out:
Hayley Matthews
Hayley Matthews led from the front with a towering knock of 182 runs off 156 balls in her single outing of the series. Her explosive innings included 26 boundaries and 2 sixes, reflecting a dominant strike rate of 116.66. Holding an average of 182.00, she currently stands as the top run-scorer in the tournament.
Aaliyah Alleyne
Aaliyah Alleyne delivered an impactful bowling performance, picking up 3 wickets in her only match so far. Bowling 6.3 overs (39 balls), she conceded 44 runs to register best bowling figures of 3/44. She leads the series wicket-takers list with a strike rate of 13.00 and an average of 14.66.
Modester Mupachikwa
Modester Mupachikwa showed great resilience for Zimbabwe Women, scoring 86 runs off 106 deliveries in her sole match. Her steady half-century came at a strike rate of 81.13 and featured 7 fours along with a six. With an average of 86.00, she holds the position of the second-highest run-scorer in the series.
Francisca Chipare
Francisca Chipare spearheaded the bowling workload for Zimbabwe, sending down a full 10 overs (60 balls) in her single match. She managed to claim 2 wickets for 57 runs, including 2 maiden overs, giving her best figures of 2/57. Operating at an economy rate of 5.70, she remains one of the primary wicket-takers for her side.
Pitch:
The pitch at Harare Sports Club is a well-balanced surface that offers an even contest between bat and ball. Pace bowlers typically extract early movement and seam with the new ball, while the surface gradually slows down over the course of a match to bring spinners into play. Batters must exercise patience rather than trying to hit through the line immediately.
Weather:
The conditions will be sunny with a high of 29°C and a low of 15°C, a northeast wind at 9 mph, 31% humidity, and no chance of rain. A complete and uninterrupted game of cricket is on the cards.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri Tiripano, Christina Mutasa, Francisca Chipare, Josephine Nkomo, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Chinelle Henry, Stafanie Taylor
Match Details:
Date – September 27, 2026
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
Broadcast – Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube channel
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