Zimbabwe women continue their march to qualifying success

ZIMBABWE’S women’s cricket team hit the ground running on their return to action at Old Hararian’s Sports Club on Thursday.

The hosts were too good for Rwanda, who were brushed aside by 82 runs. Modester Mupachikwa blazed 62 from 58 balls, while Sharne Mayers continued her good form by getting to 40 – only to be run out when well set.

That didn’t stop Zimbabwe from notching 145 for two, which was always going to be an arduous task for Rwanda. No batter made much impression, as they were reduced to 63 for eight.

Tasmeen Granger returned tidy figures of three for 11, as Zimbabwe continued their march towards the final.

In the only other match of the fourth day of competition, Tanzania breezed past Mozambique, with a ruthless display of bowling. Mozambique were shot out for just 40, with Eulalia Moiane (15) the only batter to reach double figures.  Tabu Omary nabbed four for 13, while opening bowler Nasra Saidi’s three for 8 upfront set the tone.

Having rolled Mozambique over in 10.4 overs, Tanzania only needed four overs of their own to hunt down the meagre total.

Fatuma Kibasu clubbed five fours in a breezy 26 not out, to see her side comfortably home, in a match that lasted less than 15 overs.

Zimbabwe play Nigeria at Old Hararian’s on Saturday while Rwanda battle Tanzania at Takashinga. – icc-cricket.com

Scores in brief:

Zimbabwe v Rwanda

Zimbabwe 145 for two (M Mupachikwa 62, S Mayers 40)

Rwanda 63 for eight (T Granger three for 11)

Zimbabwe won by 82 runs

Mozambique v Tanzania

Mozambique 40 all out (E Moiane 15, T Omary four for 13, N Saidi three for 8)

Tanzania 43 without loss (F Kibasu 26 not out)

Tanzania won by ten wickets