In the 2nd leg of the ongoing 6-match white-ball series between hosts Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea, the two are slated to lock horns in the 2nd Twenty20 International (T20I) on the 31st of March, 2024, at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, at 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Zimbabwe – Audrey Mazvishaya, Chiedza Dhururu, Chipo Mugeri Tiripano, Francesca Chipare, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Kudzai Chigora, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Loreen Tshuma, Loryn Phiri, Mary Anne Musonda, Modester Mupachikwa, Nomvelo Sibanda, Nyasha Gwanzura, Pellagia Mujaji, Precious Marange, Sharne Mayers
Papua New Guinea – Brenda Tau, Sibona Jimmy, Tanya Ruma, Lakshmi Rajadurai, Pauke Siaka, Isabel Toua, Naoani Vare, Geua Tom, Kevau Frank, Henao Thomas, Vicky Araa, Buruka Vicky, Dika Lohia, Melanie Ani
Players to watch out:
Modester Mupachikwa
The 27-year-old opening batter, averaging 30.23, has amassed 1028 runs from 44 T20I outings and registered the highest of 75*. Modester in the 3 ODIs this series, registered scores of 10, 57*, and 13, and it will be expected that the seasoned batter capitalizes on her form, contributing significantly to the tally.
Kelis Ndhlovu
The 18-year-old all-rounder, from 32 T20I appearances, has accumulated 549 runs, including the highest of 58*, while also bagging 34 wickets at an economy rate of 5.60. Building on the momentum, Kelis registered figures of 34 and 1/26 in the 3rd ODI this series and it’ll be hoped she carries forward this form into the T20I series.
Tanya Ruma
The 30-year-old batter, from 45 T20I outings, has racked up 1097 runs, including the highest of 69*, averaging 33.24 and striking at nearly a run-a-ball. Though Tanya in the ODIs departed cheaply on scores of 2, 15, and 13, she should be backed to capitalize on these scores, excelling in the T20Is.
Vicky Araa
The 27-year-old off-spinner has picked up 35 wickets from as many T20I innings, maintaining an economy rate of 4.54 and registering the best of 4/6. Vicky’s bowling figures from her recent games, ODIs, read 0/24, 4/19, and 2/39. Given the form she is in, she will be banked upon for the breakthroughs and to lead the tally.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Harare Sports Club is relatively balanced with an average score in the 140s. While conditions are conducive for batting, the wicket also offers assistance to bowlers, particularly pacers, as reflected in the average score.
Weather:
The temperature is expected to hover around 26°C, with light winds and humidity at 50%. The forecasted conditions promise a complete game, despite cloudy overhead.
Fantasy playing XI:
Modester Mupachikwa, Brenda Tau, Mary Anne Musonda, Naoani Vare, Chipo Mugeri Tiripano, Sibona Jimmy, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Vicky Ara, Buruka Vicky, Precious Marange
Match details:
Date – March 31, 2024
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe