After two closely contested games, Zimbabwe have already sealed the three-match T20I series against the United States of America (USA), making the third and final game a dead rubber.
While the visitors were successful in clinching a 28-run win over their counterparts in the first match, it was the second T20I that truly tested their mettle. USA came agonizingly close to levelling the series but fell short by just one run, as Zimbabwe held their nerve while defending the total. With momentum on the line, Zimbabwe will aim for a clean sweep while the hosts will play for pride, aiming to finish the T20I series on a high.
Squads:
USA Women Cricket Team
Aditiba Chudasama (C), Chetna Reddy Pagydyala (VC), Bhakti Shastri, Chetnaa Prasad, Disha Dhingra, Gargi Bhogle, Geetika Kodali, Isani Vaghela, Jivana Aras, Maahi Madhavan, Mitali Patwardhan, Pooja Ganesh, Ritu Singh, Saanvi Immadi
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Beloved Biza, Titus Chipare, Chiedza Dhururu, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Tendai Makusha, Precious Marange, Natasha Mtomba, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Josephine Nkomo, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma, Adel Zimunu
Players to watch out:
Disha Dhingra
Disha Dhingra, the talented 18-year-old opener for USA, showed her potential with a brilliant 45-ball 57 in the second T20I. However, her promising innings came to an unfortunate end when Zimbabwe’s beloved Biza clean bowled her on 57, eventually giving the much-needed opening to which the visitors cashed in. Had Dhingra stayed at the crease, USA might have been able to bring the scoreline to 1-1, making her knock a pivotal moment in the game.
Geetika Kodali
The highest-wicket taker of series so far, Geetika Kodali, the right-arm medium bowler for USA, has been a standout performer of the series. In the second T20I, she claimed 2 wickets while conceding just 19 runs, showcasing her tight control and precision. Her performance in the first match was phenomenal, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs. With a combined average of 8.80, Kodali has proved to be a key asset in USA’s bowling attack, constantly applying pressure on the Zimbabwean batters – while she would hope of getting much-needed support from her able batters.
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
Batter of Zimbabwe Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano will be crucial if the team aims for a series whitewash. The 33-year-old has been in decent form, accumulating 214 runs in her last 10 matches at an impressive strike rate of 108.08. With her explosive batting and consistency, she could be the game-changer for the visitors.
Kelis Ndhlovu
Kelis Ndhlovu, the 19-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler, has emerged as a key player for Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. With 6 wickets from her last 9 matches, she has maintained a solid economy rate of 6.66 and a strike rate of 32. Her ability to control the game with clever variations and consistent lines makes her a bowler to watch in the third and the final game of the shortest format’s series.
Pitch:
The pitch at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium is reputed to act as a batting paradise. The soil is hard and pacey, which allows the ball to come onto the bat nicely, making it easier for batters to play their shots in desired directions. The freshness of the wicket can provide seam and swing movement, which the fast bowlers can exploit to their advantage.
Weather:
There are very slim chances of rain playing spoilsport in the game, with 20% chances of precipitation. Temperature of 28 degrees Celsius and humidity levels of 63% are anticipated for the day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Modester Mupachikwa, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala, Loreen Tshuma, Josephine Nkomo, Ritu Singh, Isani Vaghela, Aditiba Chudasama, Saanvi Immadi, Precious Marange
Match details:
Date – April 29, 2025
Time – 9:15 PM IST
Venue – Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and Amazon Prime.
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