ZIMBABWE Senior Women’s Cricket Team Coach Adam Chifo has backed explosive big hitter Precious Marange to do well in her new role as an opener at the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Botswana.
The Lady Chevrons take on Mozambique in their fourth match of the campaign in the afternoon after big wins against Tanzania and Eswatini in their opening two encounters.
Today the Lady Chevrons beat hosts Botswana by 82 runs.
However, opener Marange is yet to find her rhythm after getting dismissed for a golden duck against Tanzania before fellow opener Modester Mupachikwa and captain Mary-Anne Musonda scored 42 and an unbeaten 45-ball 52 run runs respectively in Zimbabwe’s six-wicket win.
Marange was not under pressure in the second match against Eswatini as Zimbabwe chased 18 runs for victory. She faced five balls, scoring two runs, while her partner Mupachikwa faced seven deliveries and scoring 13 runs.
The victory was built around pace bowler Esther Mbofana who picked six wickets for 11 runs in four overs, and spinner Lorryn Phiri who claimed three wickets for a single run in 1.2 overs.
Earlier today in Zimbabwe’s 82-run victory over hosts Botswana, Marange scored six runs from 19 balls, but Mupachikwa again with 40 and Ashley Ndiraya with 44 runs got the Lady Chevrons to 135/5.
Botswana were bundled out for 31 runs in 13 overs, destroyer-in-chief being Phiri again this time with a five-for just six runs in her four overs. Mbofana picked three wickets for six in three overs while Tasmeen Granger took two wickets.
“It hasn’t really worked according to plan, but we have faith in Precious making use of the power play,” Lady Chevrons head coach Adam Chifo told Entersportnews.
“It’s just a matter of good innings for her, and we will see the damage she can do.”
Musonda was rested for today’s encounter.
“We are trying to give everyone some game time as well as managing those that have niggles,” he added.
“Mary is obviously coming from injury, so we need to manage her. Both Nomvelo Sibanda and Josy (Josephine Nkomo) have ankle issues, Precious and Ashley (Ndiraya) are nursing injuries.
“Very happy with the team’s performance. Esther continues to impress with the ball in every match, so is Lorryn.”
