Musonda, Mayers star as Zimbabwe women coast past Ireland

Zimbabwe women posted their first victory of the quadrangular cricket tournament in Potchefstroom in South Africa.

Having been crushed by hosts South Africa in the first match, the Zimbabweans needed to pick themselves up against Ireland.

And that they did, with Precious Marange returning a 4-32 in restricting the Irish to 209 all out from 46.1 overs.

Shauna Kavanagh scored a 53 for Ireland but the rest who made dents in the innings had starts that didn’t got too far.

At 31-1 Zimbabwe looked like it would be hard work in the middle. Captain Sharne Mayers came in with the score on 62-4 needing to help rebuild the innings. Soon it was 72-3 and then 86-4 and it appeared as if it would be one of those innings.

Enter Mary-Anne Musonda who with Mayers shared a 125-run partnership and helped the team to a six wicket victory with three overs to spare. Her 90-ball 65 including 10 fours. Three of those where the last three balls of the innings. It is a first half-century for the Chevrolettes.

In the other match India powered to a seven wicket victory over South Africa. The hosts were bowled out for 119. India got to the target in 41.2 overs.