Zimbabwe Women clinch series

Zimbabwe Women: 250/5 in 50 overs (Ashley Ndiraya 82*, Josephine Nkomo 53, Tara Norris 3/55)

USA Women: 100/3 in 26.1 overs (Ella Claridge 49*, Adelle Zimunu 2/22)

Zimbabwe Women won by 18 runs (DLS method – Match reduced to 26.1 overs, target 118 runs)

Zimbabwe Women won their first ever ODI series after beating USA Women by 18 runs via the DLS method in the rain-affected fourth ODI at Harare Sports Club.

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe Women posted a formidable total of 250/5 in their allotted 50 overs. Ashley Ndiraya anchored the innings with an impressive 82 off 102 balls, supported well by skipper Josephine Nkomo, who contributed 53 runs off 73 balls. A Quick-fire cameos from Chipo Mugeri Tiripano (33 off 22) and watchful effort by Beloved Biza (22 off 63) ensured Zimbabwe set a challenging target.

USA’s Tara Norris was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for 55 runs in her 9 overs.

In reply, USA Women found the chase difficult. Rain stopped play when they were on 94/3 after 25 overs.

When they returned, the revised target was 183 off 34 overs. Seven balls later lightning forced the players off, with the USA below their DLS par score.

Ella Claridge’s unbeaten 49 off 45 balls gave the visitors some cheer, but it is Zimbabwe who wll take home the plaudits ahead of the final game on Tuesday, at the same venue.