In a thrilling conclusion at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women triumphed over Zimbabwe Women in the second T20I, winning by eight runs and completing a clean sweep of the two-match series. The UAE set a target of 130 runs for Zimbabwe, who managed to score only 122 in response, emphasising the visitors’ dominance on Zimbabwean soil.
After winning the toss, the UAE opted to bat first, crafting a modest but defensible total. The innings featured some standout performances, particularly by Theertha Satish, who anchored the innings with 44 runs off 38 balls, hitting six boundaries.
Michelle Daleen Botha played aggressively, contributing 36 runs off 27 balls, while Heena Hotchandani chipped in with a gritty 11 runs off 12 balls, and also played a crucial role with the ball later. The UAE’s lower order supported the innings well, finishing at 130/7, including nine extras. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, particularly Kudzai Chigora, Francisca Chipare, and Lindokuhle Mabhero, each took two wickets, managing to keep the scoring under control at different points.
Zimbabwe started their chase on a hopeful note, led by Modester Mupachikwa, who top-scored with 39 runs off 34 balls. Lorraine Phiri added a valuable 31 off 27, but the momentum shifted dramatically as they lost wickets at critical junctures. Kelis Ndhlovu provided some support with 17 runs, but the wickets of Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, and Christine Mutasa left Zimbabwe in a tight spot. Ultimately, the team’s fate was sealed when Francisca Chipare was run out on the last ball.
In the second innings, Heena Hotchandani emerged as the standout performer for the UAE with a remarkable bowling display, claiming three wickets for just 17 runs in four overs and earning the Player of the Match award. Esha Rohit Oza also contributed with a wicket, adding to the pressure on Zimbabwe. On Zimbabwe’s side, Josephine Nkomo claimed one wicket with a frugal 1/7 in her only over, while the rest of the team shared the remaining wickets.
This victory not only gave the UAE Women a 2-0 win in the T20I series but also showcased their growing prowess in women’s cricket on foreign soil. Captain Esha Oza, who was named Player of the Series, finished the tour with a remarkable 101 runs in T20Is, including a 97 in the opener. On the other hand, Heena Hotchandani and Lindokuhle Mabhero were the top wicket-takers for Zimbabwe, taking four wickets in the series.
Reflecting on the first T20I, where the UAE had previously beaten Zimbabwe by 35 runs, it was clear that their strong performance set the tone for this series. As both teams move forward, they will remember this match for different reasons, UAE as a strong assertion of their T20 capabilities, and Zimbabwe as a tough lesson at home. The rivalry between Zimbabwe and the UAE Women has certainly intensified, setting the stage for exciting future encounters.
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