The recent ODI series between Zimbabwe Women and United Arab Emirates Women was highly competitive, ending in a 2-2 draw. UAE Women opened strongly with a commanding win, scoring 222/5 and defeating Zimbabwe by 36 runs. Zimbabwe responded resiliently in the second and third ODIs, winning by 6 wickets and 35 runs respectively, before UAE leveled the series again with a convincing victory of 45 runs in the fourth ODI.
The first T20I between Zimbabwe Women and UAE Women is poised to be an enthralling encounter. Scheduled for October 5 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, it will be the opening match of the five-match series, starting 5:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
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:
Kelis Ndhlovu
Kelis Ndhlovu is a talented all-rounder for Zimbabwe with solid T20I performances. She has played 56 T20I matches, scoring 1,016 runs at an average of 22.57, including 3 fifties, with a strike rate of 98.66. With the ball, she has taken 44 wickets at an average of 19.79 and an economy rate around 5.89, with best figures of 3/12. Her all-round contributions make her a key player for Zimbabwe’s women’s team.
Loreen Tshuma
Loreen Tshuma is a right-arm medium bowler and right-handed batter for Zimbabwe. In T20Is, she has played 45 matches, scoring 296 runs at an average of 13.50 with the highest score of 46 and strike rate of 99.53. With the ball, she has taken 44 wickets at an economy rate of 4.34 and a bowling average of 17.11, making her an effective bowler in the shorter format.
Esha Oza
Esha Oza is a prominent all-rounder for the UAE women’s team, known for her right-handed batting and off-break bowling. In T20Is, she has played 95 matches, scoring 2,588 runs at an average of 31.18 with the highest score of 158 not out, including four centuries and ten fifties. With the ball, she has taken 69 wickets at an average of 16.04, highlighting her effectiveness as a bowler as well.
Heena Hotchandani
Heena Hotchandani is a slow left-arm orthodox bowler for the UAE women’s team. In T20Is, she has played 32 matches, taking 27 wickets with a bowling average of 17.59 and an economy rate consistently 4.86 runs per over, showcasing her effectiveness as a bowler. Her batting contributions are limited, with 221 runs scored at a modest average of 9.60. Her primary role remains as a key bowler in the team and is a key player.
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.
Weather:
Bulawayo will experience plenty of sunshine with clear skies throughout the day. Temperatures will be warm and comfortable, likely around 25°C in the afternoon. Winds should be light to moderate, adding a pleasant breeze. There is no significant chance of rain or cloud cover anticipated for the day.
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 5, 2025
Time – 5:00 PM IST
Venue – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube channel.
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