Zimbabwe fall to Ireland in Women’s World Cup Qualifier opener

Zimbabwe lost to Ireland by 119 runs in the opening Group A match of the 2017’s Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Colombo Sri Lanka.

It was an undisciplined bowling display after winning the toss and choosing to field that saw the Southern African side concede 20 wides allowing the Irish to post an imposing 237/6 off their 50 overs.

Particularly destructive were Claire Shillington (30 off 20), Gaby Lewis and Mary Waldron in the back end of the innings, helping Ireland to close to 10/over in the last 10 overs.

Precious Marange was the most disciplined with the ball returning figures of 1-23 off 10. Nomatter Mutasa and Josephine Nkomo got two wickets each but their economies of 5.,30 and 4.60 respectively made it tough for Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s start was conservative and when wickets started falling it was regular. Ashley Ndiraya top-scored with 35 off 46 deliveries followed by Loren Tshuma (25) and Mary-Anne Musonda (20). Of the rest only captain Sharne Myers with 10 got into double figures.

Kim Garth (3-24 off 8) and Ciara Metcalfe (3-30 off 10) posted the best bowling figures. Key too was the extras column which yielded on only 8 runs compared to the 24 by Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe play Thailand next on 10 February 2017.

At the time of the posting of this article, India on the verge of handing hosts Sri Lanka a crushing defeat in the other Group A game.