The three-match Zimbabwe – West Indies ODI series is balanced on a knife-edge at 1-1 after two dramatic, contrasting games in Harare. The West Indies laid down a heavy marker in the opener, cruising to a 99-run win built on an incredible, record-breaking 182 from skipper Hayley Matthews. However, Zimbabwe scripted a historic comeback in the second match, rolling the visitors out for just 139 thanks to Nyasha Gwanzura’s career-best figures of 4/33 and knocking off the target with four wickets to spare.
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 has shown complete command with the bat in the ongoing series, comfortably leading the run charts. Across 2 matches, she has amassed 208 runs at a staggering average of 104.00, anchored by a massive individual score of 182. Striking at 108.90, she has already smashed 31 fours and 2 sixes, consistently setting a high bar for the opposition.
Aaliyah Alleyne
Aaliyah Alleyne has been a vital strike bowler for West Indies, topping the wickets tally alongside Gwanzura. In her 2 appearances, she has picked up 5 wickets across 13.3 overs at an impressive average of 14.20. Holding a tight economy rate of 5.25 and a best performance of 3/44, her ability to make key breakthroughs keeps her side in complete control.
Modester Mupachikwa
Modester Mupachikwa has provided solid resistance at the crease for Zimbabwe, making her the second-highest run-scorer in the series. Over 2 innings, she has gathered 124 runs without getting dismissed cheaply, maintaining a healthy average of 62.00. With a top score of 86, a strike rate of 76.07, and 14 boundaries to her name, she remains a crucial pillar in her team’s batting order.
Nyasha Gwanzura
Nyasha Gwanzura has delivered remarkable control with the ball, standing tall as Zimbabwe’s premier wicket-taker in the series. She has claimed 5 wickets in 17 overs with a stingy economy rate of just 4.35 and an average of 14.80. Highlighted by a brilliant spell of 4/33, her disciplined bowling has proven to be a game-changer.
Pitch:
Harare Sports Club offers a balanced deck with early pace and mid-innings spin, typically yielding T20 scores around 155. The heavy cloud cover and moisture will heavily favor seam bowlers early on, making bowling first at the toss ideal.
Weather:
The weather will be mostly cloudy with a high of 22°C and a low of 13°C. Light winds from the east at 11 mph are expected alongside a 15% chance of rain throughout the day and night.
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 30, 2026
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube channel.
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