Zimbabwe and Ireland will meet again on 7 October, in the second Women’s ODI at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe have taken a 1-0 lead in the four-match series after winning the series opener by four wickets, which was also their first ever ODI.
Mary-Anne Musonda was the star of the show in that contest. She came to bat at No. 4, and remained till the end to guide Zimbabwe reach the target of 254 with 37 balls to spare. She finished on 103 not out off 114 balls, laced with nine fours.
Loreen Tshuma was the most impressive Zimbabwean bowler. She went for less than three and a half runs an over, and also picked up a wicket. Josephine Nkomo and Precious Marange also took two wickets apiece.
For Ireland, Laura Delany made an 81-ball 86, but many of their batters failed to convert their starts into substantial scores. They need to step up if Ireland hope to level the series. The bowling was also wayward for most part of the innings, Leah Paul and Georgina Dempsey being the most expensive of the bowlers. They will look to put up an improved performance to support their batters.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back Ireland. Appoint Delany as captain. Marange can be a handy vice-captain option.
- Do not ignore Nkomo. She is the most decorated all-rounder in the Zimbabwe squad.
- Cara Murray, Nomvelo Sibanda, and Tshuma are the must-have bowling picks for this fixture.
Likely XIs
Zimbabwe: Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Chiedza Dhururu, Ashley Ndiraya, Mary-Anne Musonda (c), Josephine Nkomo, Precious Marange, Pellagia Mujaji, Loryn Phiri, Esther Mbofana, Loren Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda.
Ireland: Leah Paul, Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, Georgina Dempsey, Shauna Kavanagh (wk), Sophie MacMahon, Cara Murray, Laura Delany (c), Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Rebecca Stokell.
Prediction
Ireland Women should win this match.
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
Laura Delany (C), Precious Marange (VC), Gaby Lewis, Shauna Kavanagh, Mary-Anne Musonda, Ashley Ndiraya, Josephine Nkomo, Orla Prendergast, Cara Murray, Loren Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda.