The Southerns Women outclassed Northerns Women in Harare, chasing down a modest target with seven wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare. On a pitch that offered plenty for both bowlers and batters, the Southerns showed superior game awareness, hunting down the 79-run target after Northerns struggled with the bat and posted just 78 in 20 overs.
After winning the toss, Northerns Women opted to bat first but found the going tough against a disciplined Southerns bowling attack. Openers struggled to get going, and despite a couple of brief flurries from the likes of Kelis Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza—who scored a brisk 23 (22) and 7 (8) respectively—the innings never really took off. Tight spells from Southerns’ bowlers Christina Mutasa and Francisca Chipare kept the scoring in check, as no batter managed to dominate the proceedings.
Chipare was especially frugal, conceding only 9 runs off 3 overs, while Mutasa bowled economically too, finishing with figures of 3 overs for just 22 runs. Their efforts, assisted by sharp fielding and some disciplined bowling partnerships, ensured Northerns couldn’t build any momentum in the crucial middle phase. Extras contributed to the total, but wickets fell regularly, and Northerns closed at a below-par 78.
Set 79 to win, Southerns Women approached the chase confidently but did lose a couple of early wickets. Opener Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano looked lively, striking a boundary in her quick 11 off 19 balls. However, it was Natasha Mtomba who anchored the innings, compiling a measured 19 from 37 balls, rotating the strike and ensuring there were no hiccups after the initial breakthroughs.
As the chase progressed, the Southerns’ batters-maintained composure, picking up singles and punishing the loose deliveries whenever possible. With the platform set, Vimbai Mutungwindu stepped up, keeping the scoreboard ticking over without resorting to risky shots. The Northerns bowlers, led by Biza and Nomvelo Sibanda, tried their best to defend the modest total but were ultimately unable to break through at key moments.
Southerns comfortably chased down the required runs with 7 wickets in hand. They crossed the finish line in the 18th over, winning by seven wickets and with plenty of deliveries to spare—a win built on smart batting and a clinical bowling display. The result means Southerns Women bagged a crucial two points and secured the 3-match series 2-0.
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