Zimbabwe Women open their T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign with a 62-run victory over Kenya

ASHLEY DUBE

ENTEBBE, Uganda – The Zimbabwe women's national cricket team commenced their ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier campaign with a resounding 62-run triumph over Kenya at the Entebbe Cricket Oval in Uganda on Saturday. 

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket - Women 

Batting first, the Lady Chevrons faced an initial setback with the early dismissal of skipper Mary Anne Musonda for 4 runs in the opening over. 

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano steadied the innings, forming a 35-run partnership with opening batter Modester Mupachikwa, who contributed 7 runs off 14 balls before she was trapped leg before wicket. 

Buoyed by Tiripano's exceptional form, she showcased an impressive display, scoring 31 runs from just 17 deliveries, featuring 3 boundaries and a six, emerging as the top scorer for the team. Josephine Nkomo made a substantial contribution with 26 runs, while Ashley Ndiraya 16, ultimately propelling Zimbabwe to a total of 111-9 within their allotted 20 overs.

In response, the Kenyan team faced an uphill battle struggling to make an impact, with only one batter managing to reach a double-figure score. 

Charity Muthoni posted the highest individual score with 10 runs, as the Zimbabwean bowlers asserted their dominance throughout the innings. 

Loreen Tshuma emerged as the spearhead of the attack, securing three wickets with outstanding figures of 3-14, the most impressive performance of the day. 

Nomvelo Sibanda and Precious Marange also made significant contributions, each claiming a couple of wickets, ultimately leading to Kenya's dismissal for 49 runs in less than sixteen overs.

Josephine Nkomo's outstanding all-round display earned her the well-deserved title of the player of the match.