The United Arab Emirates, led by skipper Esha Oza, are involved in their maiden ODI series, facing the Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano-led side in Zimbabwe. The Esha Oza-led side displayed an impressive performance to go 1-0 up in the 4-match ODI series by winning their first game in the format by 36 runs.
The UAE openers, Lavanya Keny and skipper Esha Oza, got their side off to a positive start with a 28-run opening partnership after skipper Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano won the toss and opted to field first at Bulawayo in the 2nd ODI. Tendai Makusha broke the stand, by sending Lavanya Keny back to the pavilion in the 5th over of the innings, to provide the first breakthrough for Zimbabwe.
Skipper Esha Oza (23 off 17 balls) soon made her way back to the pavilion in the 6th over of the innings to provide the 2nd breakthrough for the home side. Samaira Dharnidharka joined Heena Hotchandani at the crease, and the duo stitched a much-needed 52-run partnership for the 3rd wicket, which also took them closer to the 100-run mark.
Loryn Phiri got the better of Samaira Dharnidharka (22 off 55 balls) to provide the 3rd breakthrough for her side in the 25th over of the innings. Another 29-run partnership for the 4th wicket between the wicket-keeper batter, Theertha Satish (28 off 30 balls), and Heena Hotchandani (34 off 70 balls) got them past the 100-run mark. Adel Zimunu picked up the wicket of Heena Hotchandani (34 off 70 balls) to provide the 4th breakthrough for Zimbabwe in the 29th over of the innings.
The visitors gifted away a promising start, as they were bundled out for 160 in the 41st over of the innings, losing their last 6 wickets for just 47 runs. Udeni Dona (13 off 25 balls) played her part with the bat for her side. A total of 20 extras helped the scoring for the visitors. Loreen Tshuma (9-0-36-3), Adel Zimunu (7-0-30-2), Tendai Makusha (6.5-2-12-2), Nyasha Gwanzura (4-0-18-2), and Loryn Phiri (4-0-16-1) were impressive with the ball for Zimbabwe.
A massive 123-run opening partnership between Kelis Ndhlovu (61 off 99 balls) and wicket-keeper batter Modester Mupachikwa (52 off 76 balls) set up the run chase beautifully for the home side. Skipper Esha Oza broke the stand, by sending Modester Mupachikwa back to the pavilion in the 28th over of the run chase to provide the much-needed first breakthrough for her side.
Zimbabwe eventually got over the line with 6 wickets and 58 balls to spare to level the 4-match ODI series. Skipper Esha Oza (9-2-28-3) led from the front with the ball for her side. Michelle Botha (5-1-23-1) was the only other wicket-taker with the ball for the UAE. Vaishnave Mahesh (9.2-1-32-0) was impressive with the ball for her side.
Loreen Tshuma was awarded the Player of the Match for her impressive all-round performance, returning with match figures (9-1-36-3) with the ball and scoring 10 (13 balls) with the bat for her side. She played a crucial role alongside the Zimbabwean openers to guide them over the line, levelling the 4-match ODI series.
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