The fourth and final Women’s ODI between Zimbabwe and United Arab Emirates takes place with the hosts Zimbabwe holding a 2-1 advantage, following a well-earned 33-run victory in the last game at Bulawayo. With the series on the line, they will be keen to close it out and claim a confidence-boosting home win, while UAE Women seek to force a series decider and prove their progress in their maiden ODI series.
In the previous ODI, Zimbabwe relied on a resilient middle order, highlighted by a crucial stand between Loryn Phiri (69) and Josephine Nkomo (52), steering the hosts to a fighting total despite a shaky start. Zimbabwe’s bowling once again delivered, with off-spinner Lindokuhle Mabhero starring with 3 for 21, ably supported by Adel Zimunu and Josephine Nkomo. UAE’s challenge was led by Heena Hotchandhani’s gritty 40, but they will need their top order—captain Esha Oza and wicketkeeper Theertha Satish—to step up if they aim to level the series.
Squads:
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
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
Players to watch out:
Loryn Phiri
Loryn Phiri played a crucial role for Zimbabwe Women in the ODI series against UAE, especially with the bat. She top-scored with a fluent 69 off 94 balls in the most recent encounter, anchoring Zimbabwe’s innings and driving them to a competitive total. In ODIs, Phiri has scored 140 runs in 11 innings and scalped 6 wickets from 12 bowling outings, with respective bests of 69 and 1/14.
Josephine Nkomo
Josephine Nkomo had a strong showing in the ODI series against UAE, scoring a crucial 52 runs off 76 balls in the 3rd ODI to help Zimbabwe post a competitive total. In addition to her batting, Nkomo bowled economical overs, applying pressure on the UAE batters at vital moments. In 17 ODIs so far, she has amassed 411 runs, at an average of 37.36, and struck 25 wickets, at an economy rate of 3.78, registering bests of 70* and 3/18.
Heena Hotchandani
Heena Hotchandani is a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and left-handed batter for the United Arab Emirates. She made her international debut for the UAE Women in 2018 and has played domestic cricket for teams like Tripura and Pondicherry. Heena was the highest runs-scorer for UAE in the second game with 34 runs and took UAE to a fighting position.
Athige Silva
Athige Silva has been impressive in this ODI series against Zimbabwe Women, showcasing her skills with consistent bowling performances. She claimed key wickets in both the opening and closing matches, including 3/46 in the first ODI and 2/52 in the third. Silva regularly broke crucial partnerships and kept the run rate in check, making her a standout for UAE Women.
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. As the game progresses, it may also dry out, giving spinners some turn and grip, making it a versatile pitch suitable for all-round cricket contests.
Weather:
The weather is expected to be sunny and warmer. After a mostly cloudy day with some wind, the conditions will clear up with plenty of sunshine. It will be a pleasant day with mild warmth and good visibility. Winds will likely be light compared to yesterday’s windy conditions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Esha Oza, Lavanya Keny, Michelle Botha, Athige Silva, Heena Hotchandani, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Nyasha Gwanzura, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Loreen Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda
Match Details:
Date – October 02, 2025
Time – 12:45 PM IST
Venue – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube channel.
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