THE Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team will be hoping for a fresh start when they take on Pakistan Women in the opening Twenty20 International at the National Bank Stadium today.
The Lady Chevrons, who were comprehensively defeated by Pakistan in all three matches of their bilateral One Day International (ODI) series in Karachi earlier this month, have now shifted their focus to the shorter format.
Despite the comprehensive loss in the ODI, the Lady Chevrons showed glimpses of fighting spirit, particularly with the bat in the final ODI, where several young players stepped up with notable performances.
Zimbabwe produced one of their strongest batting displays of the tour in the third and final ODI after managing 222 for nine in their 50 overs.
The innings was anchored by an impressive partnership between Kelis Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza, who steadied the innings after an early setback.
The Lady Chevrons reached 53 for two in the mandatory power play before Ndhlovu and Biza combined effectively for a crucial 50-run third-wicket stand.
At the drinks break, Zimbabwe were well positioned at 86 for two, with Ndhlovu on 39 and Biza contributing 33.
Ndhlovu continued her mature innings to reach a composed half-century off 68 balls, striking eight boundaries, while Biza followed with her own fifty from 62 deliveries.
Zimbabwe crossed the 150-run mark in the 31st over before late wickets slowed the momentum. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda added a valuable 35 runs as the Lady Chevrons closed on 222 for nine.
The performance in the third ODI, was a great improvement on the second one in which Zimbabwe Women lost by 206 runs.
Pakistan had posted a massive 343/4 in their 50 overs, and subsequently bowled Zimbabwe out for 137.
Despite the disappointing ODI results, Zimbabwe will take encouragement from the performances of emerging players such as Ndhlovu and Biza ahead of the T20I series, which begins today and runs until May 15 at the National Bank Stadium. – By Sandra Hove