The first T20I at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, saw United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women post a strong total of 183/3, led by Theertha Satish’s 49 runs. Zimbabwe Women fought back but managed 148/6, with Josephine Nkomo taking a key wicket. UAE secured a 35-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Going into the second T20I, both teams will be looking to fine-tune their strategies. The game is scheduled for the 6th of October 2025, at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, 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:
Chiedza Dhururu
Chiedza Dhururu, Zimbabwe’s wicketkeeper-batter, has played 49 Women’s T20Is, scoring 404 runs at an average of 14.42 and a strike rate of 81.61. Her highest score in T20Is is an unbeaten 67, coming in the first T20I game against UAE Women. While she has not registered any half-centuries or centuries in T20Is, she continues to contribute regularly with the gloves and the bat for her team.
Josephine Nkomo
Josephine Nkomo, Zimbabwe’s key all-rounder, has played 64 T20Is scoring 569 runs at an average of 23.070 with a top score of 56 not out. She also boasts impressive bowling stats, having taken 64 wickets in T20Is with a bowling average around 14.34. Nkomo has one half-century in T20Is with the bat, contributing significantly with both bat and ball for her team.
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 96 T20Is she has scored 2,685 runs at an average of 31.18 with the highest score of 158*, including four centuries and eleven fifties. With the ball, she has taken 69 wickets at an average of 16.28, highlighting her effectiveness as a bowler as well.
Theertha Satish
Theertha Satish has played 83 WT20Is, scoring a total of 1915 runs at an average of 31.10. Her highest score in T20Is is an impressive 93 against Hong Kong, China. She has recorded 11 half-centuries and maintains a strong strike rate of 111.01. Additionally, she contributes in the field with 41 catches and 30 stumpings. These stats reflect her role as a dependable keeper-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. As the game progresses, it may also dry out, giving spinners some turn and grip, making it a versatile pitch suitable.
Weather:
Bulawayo will witness pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine and only a few scattered clouds throughout the day. Temperatures will range from a cool morning near 14°C, rising to a comfortable high of around 28°C by the afternoon. Winds should remain gentle, making conditions ideal for a complete game.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Esha Oza, Theertha Satish, Michelle Botha, Athige Silva, Heena Hotchandani, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Nyasha Gwanzura, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Loreen Tshuma, Chiedza Dhururu
Match Details:
Date – October 6, 2025
Time – 5:00 PM IST
Venue – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube channel.
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