UAE Edge Zimbabwe in Tight T20I Contest at Queens
ZIMBABWE Women fell just short in a hard-fought T20I against the UAE Women, losing by eight runs at Queens Sports Club on Monday.
Set 131 to win, the hosts closed on 122 for eight in their 20 overs. Loryn Phiri played the standout innings for Zimbabwe with a brisk 31 from 27 balls, while Kelis Ndhlovu (17) and Nyasha Gwanzura (11) made useful contributions. But regular wickets kept Zimbabwe behind the asking rate. Heena Hotchandani proved decisive for the visitors, finishing with three for 23, including the key scalps of Phiri and captain Josephine Nkomo.
Earlier, UAE had built their total of 130 for seven around the efforts of Theertha Satish and Michelle Botha. Satish struck a composed 44 from 38 deliveries, while Botha added late impetus with 36 from 27 balls. Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked hard, with Lindokuhle Mabhera and Francisca Chipare taking two wickets apiece, but could not prevent UAE from setting a competitive target.
Zimbabwe’s chase began steadily, but the loss of Ndhlovu to a sharp run out stalled the early momentum. Partnerships proved difficult to build, and once Phiri fell stumped off Hotchandani in the 15th over, the pressure mounted. Despite Nkomo’s efforts to guide the lower order, the home side required 13 from the final over and could manage only four.
