Zimbabwe lose second women’s ODI to Ireland

Zimbabwe lose second women’s ODI

JOHANNESBURG, October 8 (ANA) – Following their historic win in their first outing at international women’s cricket, Zimbabwe were brought back down to ground as they fell to a crushing 85-run defeat to Ireland in the second One-Day International (ODI), in Harare, on Thursday.

Zimbabwe had won the first ODI since being granted international status at the same venue on Wednesday, but a day later their fortunes would turn.

After winning the toss and choosing to field, Zimbabwe saw Ireland post an intimidating 286/7 in their 50 overs.

Irish opener Leah Paul top-scored with 95 from 118 deliveries, with her fellow opener next best with 65 from 74 balls. The pair laid the perfect platform for their side with a first wicket stand of 135 in 25.4 overs.

Ireland captain Laura Delany batting at four struck three fours on her way to a 40-ball 35. She was aided by contributions of 34 from 31 balls by Shauna Kavanagh and 23 from 27 by Orla Prendergast.

Josephine Nkomo was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers with a miserly 1/33 in her 10 overs, and as well-supported by Precious Marange with 1/38 also from 10 overs. The rest of the Zimbabwe attack were expensive, all going at 6.25 or more per over.

In reply, Zimbabwe made an extremely slow start to their chase. Finally, Modester Mupachikwa departed for nine from 20 balls, with Zimbabwe losing their first wicket with 21 runs on the board from 10.2 overs.

Zimbabwe continued to lose regular wickets as their run rate never got going in pursuit of nearly six runs per over to win. Josephine Nkomo was the standout batter with an unbeaten 70 from 86 balls, but with the next best score of 27 by two players – she had almost no support.

Ultimately, Zimbabwe were able to bat out their overs as they could only manage 206/9 in a match they never looked like winning.

For Ireland, Cara Murray was the pick of the bowlers with 3/56 from her 10 overs. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman