ZIMBABWE women’s cricket have the series victory at their feet as they take on Thailand in the fourth and final unofficial One Day International match at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, Harare, on Tuesday.
The Lady Chevrons lead the series 2-1 after winning the first and third ODIs by seven and five wickets, respectively.
Team captain Mary-Anne Musonda has been leading from the front, with the batting getting two unbeaten half-centuries in the opening two games.
The right-hander was unfortunate not to add a third half-ton in Sunday’s match as she was run out for a 46-ball 47.
Aa-rounder Josephine Nkomo has been magnificent with both bat and ball, managing a half-ton and a fiver. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, fresh from maternity level, has added stability to the batting lineup notched a half-century as well.
For Thailand, their skipper Naruemol Chaiwai’s cameo role has seen her score the only century of the series, albeit in defeat in the third ODI.
Zimbabwe’s Achilles Heel has been the team’s inability to capitalise on their pressure points. They easily let the opponent off the hook when they have them cornered.
In Sunday’s win, Thailand was reaming on 14/5, but the host failed to restrict them to a measly target as the visitors went on to play all their 50 overs, scoring 189/7.
Lady Chevrons head coach Adam Chifo said with games like these. The girls will eventually improve.
“We struggled every time we bowl to a partnership that goes big. We tend to get impatient and overdo things,” Chifo told EnterSportNews.
“Yes, the more we go over these experiences, the more we will react better when the situation arises.”
With more players coming in handy with the bat, the likes of Ashley Ndiraya, Christabel Chatonzwa, big hitter Precious Marange making sure that the scoreboard keeps ticking, the team is guaranteed of putting on respectable targets should they be asked to bat first.
“Yes, we have a long batting lineup, and that gives us confidence in the change room,” added Chifo.
