Mountaineers, Tuskers open Fifty50 Challenge with wins

Rhinos Women 61 in 20.2 overs (Francesca Chipare 14, Vimbai Kavava 11; Nomvelo Sibanda 3-7, Buhelebenkosi Maposa 2-4, Natasha Mtomba, Christina Mutasa 2-12)

Tuskers Women 63/1 in 6.1 overs (Sharne Mayers 41*; Kelly Ndiraya 1-9)

Tuskers Women won by nine wickets

Sharne Mayers and Nomvelo Sibanda produced outstanding performances for an emphatic Tuskers Women’s nine-wicket victory over Rhinos Women in an opening 2024 Fifty Challenge Cup match at Old Hararians on Saturday.

Sibanda led a youthful attack, taking three wickets for just 17 runs, dismissing Rhinos Women for a meagre 61 in 20.2 overs.

Francesca Chipare recently transferred from Mountaineers top-scored with 14 and shared the biggest partnership, 17, for the innings with captain Vimbai Kavava, who made an unbeaten 11.

In response, Sharne Mayers smashed 41 off just 17 balls, including five fours and two sixes, in chasing down the score in just 6.1 overs.

Eagles Women 135 in 32.3 overs (Christabel Chatonzwa 45, Modester Mupachikwa 19, Kawthar Padya 19; :Loryn Phiri 4-25, Monique Mushanyi 2-19, Dian Sithole 2-22, Kudzai Chigora 2-23)

Mountaineers Women 136/2 in 21.3 overs (Chipo Mugeri Tiripano 79*, Loryn Phiri 19*; Kelis Ndhlovu 1-6, Adelle Zimunu 1-32)

Mountaineers Women won by eight wickets

Harare Sports Club produced another low-scoring match as Mountaineers Women beat Eagles Women by eight wickets.

Eagles were bowled out for 135 in 32.3 overs after their batting largely suffered from systematic failures.

Christabel Chatonzwa provided the most resistance, getting 45 to her name, but ultimately, the rest of the efforts were disappointing.
Only two players, captain Modester Mupachikwa and Kawthar Padya, got to double figures, both making 19.

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano continued to enhance her reputation as the most dominant batter in Zimbabwe as she led the chase with 79 off 66, including 12 fours.

She and Loryn Phiri put on 101 for the third wicket after two wickets fell early. Phiri got 19 runs to her name.

Kelis Ndhlovu bowled brilliantly for the Eagles, conceding just six runs from seven overs. It was all in vain ultimately, as the other bowlers failed to contain Mugeri-Tiripano.