Today’s discussion revolves around a team that has been making its mark in international cricket in recent times. A team that has defied several odds. A team that has been defeating well-settled international sides. It’s none other than Team Zimbabwe. Ironically, it was only in April this year that they were granted ODI status by ICC but even before this, we have appeared in several qualifiers, some of which they have aced.
History – Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Zimbabwe made their international debut in 2006 in the ICC Africa regional Qualifier which they won, confirming a spot for themselves in the 2008 Women’s World Cup Qualifier. Following this, they played more qualifiers in 2011, 2013, 2015, and now will be playing the 2021 Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
Current Status – Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Before competing in the qualifier, Zimbabwe will also be seen in their ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh women. Preceding this, they also played their first-ever international ODI series, against Ireland which they lost 1-3. Despite kicking off the series with a convincing win, Irish heroics stole the other games, and ultimately, the series. Hence, so far, they have a 25%-win percentage in ODIs which they will hope to escalate in their current series and the upcoming Qualifier.
Top Players
1. Modester Mupachikwa
The 24-year-old wicket-keeper & batter is one of great caliber as reflected in her game, and stats too. Since 2019, she has played 21 T20I matches, scoring 582 runs at a strike rate of 86.73, averaging 32.33. She recorded her highest score, 75* which is also the 7th highest score in WT20Is by a wicket-keeper. This came against the Namibia Women on January 9, 2019, during the Zimbabwe tour of Namibia. The toss had turned in Namibia’s favor that put the Zimbabweans to bat first who soon presented with a target of 150-fired by Mupachikwa’s blissful 75*(63).
2. Nomatter Mutasa
Mutasa, the 26-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Kwekwe is another interesting prospect in Zimbabwean cricket and will be watched by many. In 2017, during the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, she was the highest wick-taker for her team with 6 scalps to her name. Following this, the upcoming Qualifier tournament will be her second major international tournament in which she will hope to replicate and enhance her performance.
3. Josephine Nkomo
Also from Kwekwe, Nkomo is an all-rounder who managed to catch the attention of many in the recently concluded Ireland-Zimbabwe series. In 4 matches, she stacked 164 runs, averaging an impressive 54.7. In addition, she also dismissed batters in 4 instances at an economy of 4.14. The Zimbabweans will hope that she can carry forward this rewarding form into the Qualifier and assist them in clinching a spot in the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Importance
Zimbabwe is a nation that has battled several shortcomings- be it famine, poverty, or lack of education. Amongst this chaos, they have still managed to begin a fruitful journey in cricket. As aforementioned, they have taken part in several qualifiers since their debut but have not made it big when it mattered most- during the World Cup itself. A qualification this time would gift them with yet another opportunity to prove their worth. Likewise, it also provides the girls with the very well-needed incentive to continue to give their best and inspire the younger generation to do the same, some day.
Fixtures – ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021
Zimbabwe vs Thailand – 21st November
Zimbabwe vs USA – 25th November
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan – 27th November
Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh – 29th November
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