UAE Women – 222-5 in 50 overs (Rinitha Rajith 59*, Levanya Keny 47, Michelle Botha 42*; Loreen Tshuma 2/18, Nyasha Gwanzura 1/19, Tendai Makusha 1/29)
Zimbabwe Women – 186 all out in 46.3 overs (Kelis Ndhlovu 38, Nyasha Gwanzura 34, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 26; Esha Oza 3/25, Samaira Dharnidharka 3/29, Athige Silva 3/46)
UAE Women won by 36 runs
Zimbabwe Women slipped to a 36-run defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women in the opening one-day international of the four-match series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Friday.
Having won the toss and elected to field, the hosts initially kept the tourists in check, but an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 105 between Rinitha Rajith and Michelle Botha powered UAE Women to a competitive 225 for five in their 50 overs.
The visitors’ innings began cautiously, with captain Esha Oza and Lavanya Keny putting on 19 before Adel Zimunu made the first breakthrough in the sixth over, Mupachikwa completing the catch behind to dismiss Oza for 10.
Heena Hotchandani ground her way to 20 from 59 deliveries before edging behind off Nyasha Gwanzura, leaving UAE Women 75 for two in the 24th over.
Zimbabwe Women continued to chip away as Loreen Tshuma bowled Samaira Dharnidharka (8) and Tendai Makusha had Keny caught behind for a patient 47.
When Theertha Satish (13) fell cheaply at 120 for five, the home side appeared on top.
However, Rajith seized the initiative, striking a fluent unbeaten 59 from 59 balls with six fours, while Botha contributed a composed 42 not out off 44.
Their century partnership transformed UAE Women’s innings, pushing them to 225 for five.
Tshuma was the pick of the bowlers with two for 18 in six overs.
Oza, Dharnidharka and Silva each finished with three wickets in a disciplined bowling effort that ensured UAE Women secured a 36-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.
The two teams will meet again on Sunday at Queens Sports Club for the second ODI.
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