ZIMBABWE Women put on a steady all-round performance to beat UAE Women by six wickets in the second ODI at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday.
The win saw Zimbabwe square the four-match series 1–1.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept things tight and bowled out UAE for 160 in 40.5 overs. Loreen Tshuma was the star with the ball, taking three for 36 and holding two sharp catches. She was well supported by Adel Zimunu (2 for 30) and Tendai Makusha (2 for 12). UAE’s captain Esha Oza gave them a bright start with 23 from 17 balls, while Heena Hotchandani battled hard for 34 off 70 deliveries. Theertha Satish also chipped in with 28, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals, stopping UAE from building a big total.
Chasing 161, Zimbabwe got off to a flying start. Openers Modester Mupachikwa and Kelis Ndhlovu added 103 runs for the first wicket. Mupachikwa anchored the innings with 52 from 76 balls, while Ndhlovu played confidently for 61 from 99. Their stand set up the chase perfectly. Even though Zimbabwe lost a few wickets in the middle overs, the result was never in doubt. They reached 161 for four in 40.2 overs with 58 balls to spare.
Tshuma’s all-round contribution of three wickets and useful runs earned her the Player of the Match award.
