Day 2 of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024: Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka Triumph
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka showcased their prowess in the seventh and eighth matches of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, held under the floodlights of Tolerance Oval and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
After a disappointing loss to Vanuatu, Zimbabwe bounced back with an eight-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meanwhile, Sri Lanka lived up to their status as tournament favourites by defeating Scotland by 10 wickets.
Match 7: UAE vs Zimbabwe
Scorecard
The UAE, having won the toss, chose to bat first. However, they struggled to find their footing, mirroring their performance in the tournament opener against Ireland. Despite losing three wickets in the first six overs, a 52-run partnership between Kavisha Edodage (23) and top-scorer Heena Hotchandani (32 off 33 balls, three fours) helped steady the innings.
After the dismissal of both batters, the UAE’s lower-order struggled to accelerate in the death overs. Rinitha Ranjith’s crucial 19 off 11 balls (two fours) helped the team cross the 100-run mark.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers maintained their discipline throughout the UAE innings. Josephine Nkomo was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for just 11 runs in her four overs. Audrey Mazvishaya also contributed with two wickets for 25 runs.
In response, Zimbabwe chased down the target with relative ease. After the dismissal of opener Sharne Mayers (13), wicketkeeper-batter Modester Mupachikwa (22) and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano added 43 runs for the second wicket. Following Mupachikwa’s dismissal, Mugeri-Tiripano and skipper Mary-Anne Musonda (26 not out) saw the team home. Zimbabwe completed the chase with 27 balls to spare.
Match 8: Scotland vs Sri Lanka
Scorecard
Sri Lanka, having won the toss, opted to field first. The decision paid off as Scotland’s batters struggled to build momentum. Despite a promising start, Scotland lost wickets at regular intervals.
Inoshi Priyadharshani, the player of the match in the win against Thailand, delivered another quality spell, taking three wickets for just 11 runs. Kavisha Dilhari also troubled Scotland’s batters, claiming four wickets in her 3.2 overs.
In response, Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 59 off 35 balls as Sri Lanka cruised past the target in just 10.1 overs. Athapaththu’s opening partner Vishmi Gunaratne provided solid support from the other end. Sri Lanka now looks set for a semi-final spot from Group A.
Summary of Scores:
Match 7:
Zimbabwe defeated UAE by eight wickets
UAE: 105 for 9, 20 overs (Heena Hotchandani 32, Kavisha Edodage 23; Josephine Nkomo 4-11, Audrey Mazvishaya 2-25)
Zimbabwe: 106 for 2, 15.3 overs (Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 36 not out, Mary-Anne Musonda 26 not out; Suraksha Kotte 1-13)
Player of the match: Josephine Nkomo
Match 8:
Sri Lanka defeated Scotland by 10 wickets
Scotland: 94 all out, 18.2 overs (Lorna Jack 24, Kathryn Bryce 22; Kavisha Dilhari 4-13, Inoshi Priyadharshani 3-11)
Sri Lanka: 95 for no loss, 10.1 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 59 not out, Vishmi Gunaratne 24 not out)
Player of the match: Kavisha Dilhari