A disappointing batting performance led to the Zimbabwe senior women’s cricket team’s (Lady Chevrons) unexpected 6-wicket defeat against the lower-ranked Vanuatu in their opening Global T20 World Cup Qualifiers match in the United Arab Emirates.
Ranked 12th in T20, Zimbabwe’s loss to the 30th-ranked Vanuatu was seen as a sh0cking upset. The team was bowled out in just 13.3 overs, with a total score of 61 runs. Shayne Mayers contributed 16 runs, the highest individual score for Zimbabwe in the match.
In a concerning display, four players from the Zimbabwean side, including team captain Mary Anne Musonda, posted zero runs.
Spinners Nasimana Navaika and Vannesa Vira carried the day for Vanuatu as they grabbed seven wickets between themselves, that is four and three respectively.
Although Vanuatu’s batting was not impressive in the second innings, the small Island nation managed to reach the target in 16,3 overs with 6 wickets to spare, posting 162 for 4.
The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier marks the first Global Qualifier appearance for Vanuatu, who recorded their first win against a team outside the East-Asia Pacific region.
The action continues on Saturday Zimbabwe when Zimbabwe face the host nation United Arab Emirates in their second match.
Matchday 1 results
Group A
Scotland beat Uganda by 109 runs
Thailand lost to Sri Lanka by 67 runs
Group B
Ireland beat the United Arab Emirates by 6 wickets
Zimbabwe lost to Vanuatu by 6 wickets
SOURCE : NEW ZIMBABWE
