The Zimbabwean women’s team led by skipper Josephine Nkomo hosted the United States of America for a five-match ODI series from 17th to 28th October 2024. We witnessed a spirited effort from the United States of America to defeat Zimbabwe comprehensively by 7 wickets and 34 balls to spare in the 5th and final ODI, courtesy of a mammoth effort from Chetna Reddy Pagydyala.
The 16-year-old prodigy from the USA Chetna Reddy Pagydyala displayed glimpses and the potential of a special talent, unfurling in the final ODI of the series, registering herself in the record books. With the fate of the series already out of their hands, the USA skipper Aditiba Chudasama won the toss and opted to field first in the 5th ODI at the Harare Sports Club. After being inserted to bat first, the home side posted a competitive total of 246/6 in their quota of 50 overs.
The 117-run 2nd wicket partnership between Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and wicket-keeper batter Modester Mupachikwa was the highest partnership of the innings for their side. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (60 off 68 balls), wicket-keeper batter Modester Mupachikwa (59 off 78 balls), skipper Josephine Nkomo (40* off 52 balls), and Ashley Ndiraya (39 off 49 balls) were the top performers with the bat for Zimbabwe.
Ritu Singh (10-0-37-2), skipper Aditiba Chudasama (10-0-42-2), Saanvi Immadi (10-2-36-0), and Tara Norris (9-0-40-2) were the top performers with the ball for the USA. Chasing a target of 247, USA got over the line with 7 wickets in hand and 34 balls to spare. The 116-run opening partnership between Disha Dhingra and Chetna Reddy Pagydyala was the highest partnership of the run-chase.
The 16-year-old young sensation Chetna Reddy Pagydyala stayed unbeaten on a brilliant century (136* off 152 balls) on her ODI debut to guide her side over the line comfortably in the run chase. She broke a few records en route to her match-winning innings. She registered the highest score (136*) on an ODI debut in the women’s game, surpassing Lynne Thomas (134) from England against the International XI in 1973.
She not only became the first ODI centurion for USA women but also the first woman from an associate nation to score a century on an ODI debut against a full-member nation. Notably, she is the 2nd youngest player (16 Years, and 177 days) to score a century in the women’s ODIs, after Amy Hunter (16 Years) from Ireland did it against Zimbabwe at the same venue last year.
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