Zim win first World Cup game

ZIMBABWE yesterday secured their first win at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 as they beat Thailand by 36 runs in their second group match played at the Mercantile Cricket Association Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Although Thailand captain Sornnarin Tippoch produced a fighting half-century, Nomatter Mutasa claimed four for 28 to derail the chase and help her side seal an important victory.

Put in to bat first, Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a poor start when opening batter Modester Mupachikwa was dismissed for a golden duck off the very first delivery of the match.

Two balls into the seventh over, Zimbabwe were down to 24 for two after Loreen Tshuma went out for 18.

Mary-Anne Musonda, however, stabilised the proceedings with the innings’ highest score of 35, a knock that came off 53 balls and included five boundaries.

Precious Marange chipped in with a crucial 34, while the captain Sharne Mayers (29), Ashley Ndiraya (28) and Josephine Nkomo (27) also made vital contributions with the bat.

At the end of 50 overs, Zimbabwe had posted 191 for eight.

Nattakan Chantam got the chase off with a bang, carting the second ball of the Thai innings over the boundary, smacking the fourth delivery for four before Mutasa hit back with the very next delivery, getting the opening batter caught for 10 by Nomvelo Sibanda.

Mutasa struck again in her second over, dismissing Sirintra Saengsakaorat for a duck; 16 for two in the third over.

The next 11 overs yielded just 22 runs for Thailand, as Zimbabwe bowled and fielded well on their way to victory.

Although Mutasa is likely to grab the headlines with her four-wicket haul, Marange starred with the ball too, giving away only 14 runs in her 10 overs, three of them maidens, despite having only a single wicket to show for her impressive bowling.

Tasmeen Granger was rewarded for her fine bowling with two wickets, while Musonda and Tshuma also took one apiece as Zimbabwe bowled out the Thais and successfully defended their total with 15 balls remaining.

Zimbabwe will be back in action today when they face tournament hosts Sri Lanka in their third Group A match. Scores Zimbabwe Women - 191 for 8 in 50 overs (Mary-Anne Musonda 35, Precious Marange 34, Sharne Mayers 29; Chanida Sutthiruang 2/57, Nattaya Boochatham 1/17) Thailand Women - 155 all out in 47.3 overs (Sornnarin Tippoch 50, Naruemol Chaiwai 27; Nomatter Mutasa 4/28, Tasmeen Granger 2/30)

Zimbabwe Women won by 36 runs - zimcricket.