KELIS Ndhlovu played a brilliant innings to lead Zimbabwe Women to a big nine wicket win over Namibia Women in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier at United Ground in Windhoek on Saturday.
The 19 year old opener was outstanding with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 70 runs from 52 balls. Her innings had 11 fours and a six as Zimbabwe chased down Namibia’s 115 for seven with 21 balls to spare.
The victory gave Zimbabwe the regional title and also confirmed their strong form ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Nepal next year. Both Zimbabwe and Namibia had already secured places in that tournament by reaching the final.
Namibia batted first after winning the toss and made a steady start. Sune Wittmann scored 11 before she was bowled by Nyasha Gwanzura in the eighth over.
Kayleen Green kept her side in the game with a well played 48 runs from 47 balls that included five fours and two sixes. She put on 38 runs with Yasmeen Khan who scored 23, but when Green was caught and bowled by Loreen Tshuma the innings began to lose momentum.
Despite 18 runs from Mekelaye Mwatile, Zimbabwe’s bowlers took control in the closing overs. Beloved Biza took two wickets for 12 runs while Josephine Nkomo also picked up two for 13. Tshuma and Gwanzura added one wicket each as Namibia finished on 115 for seven in their 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s reply was full of confidence. Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa put on 112 runs for the first wicket. Mupachikwa supported well with 37 runs from 45 balls before she was bowled by Saima Tuhadeleni.
There was little more Namibia could do. Tshuma hit a boundary to finish the match as Zimbabwe reached 116 for one in 16.3 overs.
Ndhlovu stayed unbeaten on 70 and was the clear star of the day.
Zimbabwe finished the tournament unbeaten, winning all five matches in Windhoek
