The fourth and final ODI between Zimbabwe Women and UAE Women, played at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, saw UAE Women clinch a crucial 45-run victory to level the series 2-2. UAE posted an impressive 274/7 in their fifty overs, while Zimbabwe finished at 229/7 in their full quota, falling short despite a fighting effort.
After being asked to bat first, UAE got off to a strong start, led by a superb partnership between skipper Esha Oza and Theertha Satish. The duo put up a 165-run opening stand, with Oza smashing 82 off 95 balls and Satish contributing a composed 66 from 99 deliveries. Their opening-stand set the tone, and the middle order added crucial runs – Rinitha Rajith (26), Heena Hotchandani (25) and Samaira Dharnidharka (18*) as UAE finished with a commanding total of 274, helped in part by 42 extras from Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs during the UAE innings but did manage breakthroughs in the latter stages. Loreen Tshuma was the most successful bowler, picking up two wickets, while Lindo Mabhero and Lorraine Phiri chipped in with one wicket each. However, the collective efforts were not enough to restrict UAE to a smaller total, as late cameos and disciplined running between the wickets let the visitors set a daunting target.
Chasing 275 for victory, Zimbabwe Women lost Kelis Ndhlovu for a golden duck but showed resilience in the middle overs. Opener Modester Mupachikwa (33) was supported by Loreen Tshuma (32). After the two departed, with 86 on board in the 23rd over, Josephine Nkomo (76) found resistance from Loryn Phiri, who scored valuable 40 runs. Both set batters departed in quick succession, leaving Zimbabwe in trouble at 197/6 at 44.2.
The UAE bowlers pegged them back with regular breakthroughs, ensuring no major partnership could take the hosts home. Adel Zimunu (15*) and Francisca Chipare (11*) added runs, but not at the asking rate, eventually restricted to 229/7, 45 short of the required.
Suraksha Kotte led the UAE bowling unit with an economical and incisive spell, picking up key wickets, including that of Loreen Tshuma, and regularly maintaining the pressure. Michelle Botha and others supported well, as Zimbabwe’s batters found it increasingly tough to keep up with the rising asking rate.
Esha Rohit Oza was deservedly named Player of the Match for her blazing 82(95) and 2/56. The win meant that the four-match ODI series, UAE’s maiden, ended in a 2-2 draw, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams throughout the tour and capping the contest with a well-fought finale.
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