Josephine Nkomo half-century in vain as Ireland Women level series

Zimbabwe Women vice captain Josephine Nkomofollowed up the exploits of her skipper as she scored an unbeaten 70 in an 80-run loss to Ireland Women in an ODI on Wednesday.

Nkomo’s effort was made all the more impressive by the fact that she played a lot of it with tailenders.

What happened?

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Ireland had a fast and steady start with openers Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul putting together 135 runs for the opening wicket. Lewis would eventually go for 65 bowled by Nkomo, who also impressed with the ball.

Amy Hunter did not last long and was removed by Esther Mbofana, trapped leg before.

Laura Delaney then joined Paul for a 67-run partnership. Delaney then fell for 35 to Loreen Tshuma.

Paul finally departed, five short of her maiden century, out to Precious Marange.

Ireland posted a mammoth score of 286 for seven.

Nkomo returned one for 33 and Marange one for 38.

Zimbabwe’s response was restrained and the opening stand was 21 in 10.2 overs. Modester Mupachikwa was the first to go or nine when she was run out for nine. Chiedza Dhururu departed in the next over for 14, stumped off Cara Murray.

Skipper Mary-Anne Musonda could not repeat the heroics of the first ODI when she was removed for four by Murray.

When Ashley Ndiraya had to for 27, the score was on 81 and five wickets were gone with 24.1 overs still in the bank.

Nkomo negotiated the rest of the innings, the largest partnership being 69 for the ninth wicket with Nomvelo Sibanda who scored 27. It is the second highest in Women’s ODI history for the ninth wicket.

Zimbabwe would eventually make 206 for the loss of nine wickets in their 50 overs.

Murray took three for 56 and Celeste Raack two for 26.

Final thoughts

Psychologically it was important for Zimbabwe to hit the 200 mark. The series is now set up well with both teams in with a shout at the series still. Two more matches left for Saturday and Monday at the same venue.