West Indies Fall Short as Zimbabwe Levels One-Day Series

In Harare on 27 September, the Zimbabwe women’s cricket team leveled the ODI series against West Indies by winning the second match by four wickets.

Batting first, West Indies managed 139 runs in 39.3 overs, losing nine wickets. The top order was unsettled when Riyaliana Grimond fell for nine, giving Zimbabwe an early advantage.

Helly Matthews attempted a recovery, partnering with Stephanie Taylor for a 47‑run stand. Matthews scored 26 with five fours, while Taylor added 47 runs, hitting four boundaries before her wicket fell.

Effie Fletcher contributed 15 runs and Ashwini Munisar remained unbeaten on 20, but the total fell short of the chase target.

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Nyasha Gwanjura, who took four wickets for 33 runs. Supporting figures came from Michelle Mawunga with three wickets and Francesca Chipare with two.

On the chase, Modester Mupachikwa and Kelis Ndlovu opened with a 67‑run partnership. Mupachikwa’s 38 runs included seven fours before she was dismissed.

A brief slump saw three wickets tumble at 70 runs, but captain Josephine Nkomo steadied the ship with Bello Ved Bija, adding a steady 30 runs together.

Gwanjura’s unbeaten 18 propelled Zimbabwe to the target in 40.5 overs. West Indies bowlers Effie Fletcher, Alia Ellen and Ashwini Munisar each finished with two wickets for two runs.

With the series now tied 1‑1, the final ODI is scheduled for 30 September at the same ground. A three‑match T20 series will follow from 3 to 7 October.