Zimbabwe Women head into the 2nd ODI under pressure after a disappointing defeat in the series opener, where their batting could not withstand the United Arab Emirates (UAE) attack, resulting in a 36-run loss at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Despite the setback, the hosts remain a strong side, especially in the bowling department, where key performers like Loren Tshuma and Kellies Ndlovu have consistently contributed in recent matches. With experienced leaders such as captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa, Zimbabwe will be eager to bounce back, address their batting frailties, and level the series.
The UAE Women’s cricket team enjoyed a dream start to the series, notching a disciplined win and showcasing improvements in both batting and fielding. Captain Esha Rohit led the way among batters, while Theertha Satish excelled behind the stumps, giving the side extra stability. UAE will look to build on their recent success and capitalize on the momentum from their first ODI victory against the hosts.
Squads:
United Arab Emirates Women’s Cricket Team
Rinitha Rajith, Siya Gokhale, Udeni Dona, Esha Oza, Lavanya Keny, Michelle Botha, Samaira Dharnidharka, Emily Thomas, Theertha Satish, Al Maseera, Athige Silva, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Mehak Thakur, Suraksha Kotte, Vaishnave Mahesh
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Adel Zimunu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Nyasha Gwanzura, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Beloved Biza, Christabel Chatonzwa, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Chiedza Dhururu, Modester Mupachikwa, Francisca Chipare, Kudzai Chigora, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Loreen Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda
Players to watch out:
Rinitha Rajith
Rinitha Rajith is a right-handed batting all-rounder from the UAE, born in 2006 and recognized for her consistent contributions in ODIs. She starred in UAE’s historic first-ever ODI, against Zimbabwe, scoring an unbeaten 59 off 59 balls and anchoring a crucial 102-run stand with Michelle Botha. The UAE went on to defend their total successfully, bowled out Zimbabwe for 186, winning the match by 36 runs. Rajith’s performance was pivotal, making her the top scorer and a standout in UAE’s ODI debut.
Lavanya Keny
Lavanya Keny is an 18-year-old all-rounder for UAE, born in India, who bats right-handed and bowls off-breaks. In her latest outing, Lavanya Keny played a composed innings scoring 47 runs off 82 balls against Zimbabwe in UAE Women’s historic ODI debut. Her innings included 3 fours and showcased patience and resilience to steady the UAE innings after early wickets fell. She batted at number four and was dismissed at 114/4, playing an important role in helping UAE reach a competitive total of 222/5.
Kelis Ndhlovu
Kelis Ndhlovu is a 19-year-old Zimbabwean all-rounder known for her left-handed batting and slow left-arm orthodox bowling. In ODIs, she has played 14 matches, scoring 230 runs with a modest average of 17.69, and her highest score is 54, while her bowling has been more impactful. She took the first-ever five-wicket haul for Zimbabwe women in ODIs in April 2023, highlighting her bowling prowess and has 19 wickets to her name in the format.
Nyasha Gwanzura
Nyasha Gwanzura is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium bowler for Zimbabwe women’s cricket team. She has played 11 WODIs so far, scoring 158 runs at an average of 15.80 with a top score of 35*. Her strike rate stands at around 56.95 in ODIs, and although she has just taken a single wicket in ODIs, she occasionally bowls right-arm medium pace. Gwanzura continues to be a valuable player for Zimbabwe, contributing primarily as a batter.
Pitch:
The pitch at Bulawayo is generally known to be a balanced surface that offers something for both batters and bowlers. It tends to be fairly true, providing consistent bounce and pace, which helps stroke play, but it can assist seam bowlers with movement early on, and spinners later in the game.
Weather:
Bulawayo will experience hot, dry, and sunny weather with no significant rainfall forecasted. Daytime temperature will peak around 32°C, cooling to about 17°C during the night and early morning hours. The sky will remain mostly clear, with plenty of bright sunshine throughout the day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Rinitha Rajith, Esha Oza, Lavanya Keny, Michelle Botha, Theertha Satish, Heena Hotchandani, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Nyasha Gwanzura, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Loreen Tshuma
Match Details:
Date – September 28, 2025
Time – 12:45 PM IST
Venue – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Broadcast – TBC
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