The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE middle order batter Josephine Nkomo’s 70 unbeaten run was not enough for the Lady Chevrons to record their second One Day International (ODI) win as they lost by 80 runs to Ireland at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
Coming from their historic victory on Tuesday, which was their first ODI match since being granted ODI status in April by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the odds favoured the hosts.
Just like in the first ODI, Zimbabwe won the toss, and captain, Mary-Anne Musonda chose to field.
But the visitors, seeking to level the series, started the match on an aggressive note with the opening partnership of Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis posting a combined total of 135 runs from 25.4 overs.
Lewis was bowled out for 65 from 74 balls by Nkomo.
After the breaking of Ireland’s opening partnership, all seemed to be falling in place for Zimbabwe as they claimed the second wicket three balls later with an lbw for Amy Hunter.
But the visitors regained their footing after Hunter’s dismissal, as they went on to post 286 runs for seven wickets from their 50 overs.
The score looked a modest chase for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe started their innings on a slow note posting just 21 runs in 10 overs.
That slow start saw Zimbabwe losing five wickets for a paltry 81 runs halfway through their innings.
A 69 run partnership of Nkomo and Nomvele Sibanda gave the Lady Chevrons a glimmer of hope as they pushed the hosts to an unexpected 206 runs in 50 overs.
Nkomo scored an unbetean 70 run from 86 balls, while Sibanda made 27 runs from 42 balls.
Musonda, who made a historic score of 103 runs unbeaten in the first ODI on Tuesday, was caught out on 4 runs from 17 balls.
