Zimbabwe Women triumph in 2024 African Games Opener against Rwanda

ASHLEY DUBE

IN THE 13th edition of the African Games held in Ghana, the Zimbabwe Women national cricket team made a winning start with an impressive 8-wicket victory over Rwanda. 

Image: @zimbabwewomen/X

Modester Mupachikwa marked her return to the national team with a standout performance that propelled Zimbabwe Women to victory. 

Despite a closely contested match, the Lady Chevrons batted all but two balls of their allotted overs to secure the win, chasing a target of 74 runs. 

Early losses of Kelis Ndhlovu (2) and Pallagia Mujaji (10) did not deter the team. 

Mupachikwa and Zimbabwe captain Mary-Anne Musonda built a crucial 40-run partnership, with Mupachikwa scoring 38 runs off 37 balls and Musonda contributing 16 runs off 17 balls. 

Audrey Mazvishaya made a remarkable comeback by taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries, triggering a collapse in the Rwanda team's batting lineup. 

Rwanda, initially at 63 for the loss of two wickets, lost four quick wickets, managing a total of 66 runs during that phase. 

In the same group, Uganda Women also secured a victory in their opener, defeating Kenya Women by six wickets.

The African Games, a prestigious event owned and organized by the African Union on behalf of its member states, occur every four years, one year before the Olympics. 

The event showcases athletic talent, celebrates African cultural values and heritage, and promotes solidarity and integration. 

The 2024 continental event, the 13th edition, features over 4,000 athletes competing in 29 sports disciplines, eight of which are qualifying for the Paris Olympics in 2024.