Harare witnessed a proper upset on Saturday, with Zimbabwe’s women outplaying West Indies to square the three-match ODI series at one apiece. It was only the second occasion that the side has beaten a Full Member nation in the fifty-over game. Thursday’s opener had gone the visitors’ way by 99 runs, so the response was emphatic.
The Windies chose to bat first, though Michelle Mavunga struck early, removing Realeanna Grimmond in the second over. Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor then repaired the innings with a 47-run partnership for the second wicket. Nyasha Gwanzura broke it, and the innings unravelled. Nine wickets tumbled for 83 runs, leaving the tourists all out for 139.
Gwanzura finished with 4 for 33, Mavunga claimed 3 for 36, and Francisca Chipare chipped in with 2 for 16. Behind the stumps, Modester Mupachikwa pouched five catches in the innings, joining an elite list of just four players to manage that feat in women’s ODIs. Ashmini Munisar and Karishma Ramharack put on 26 late on, but Olinder Chare took the last wicket.
The chase began confidently, with Mupachikwa and Kelis Ndhlovu posting 67 for the first wicket. Aaliyah Alleyne then removed two of three quick dismissals, and the visitors briefly smelled a revival. Beloved Biza and Josephine Nkomo steadied things with a 30-run stand, and although more wickets fell, Nkomo’s 30 kept the target within reach.
Gwanzura, fresh from her career-best spell, stayed calm to finish unbeaten on 18, sealing victory with 55 balls and four wickets remaining.
The result also opened Zimbabwe’s account in the ICC Women’s Championship 2026-29, lifting them to ninth among the eleven sides. With the series delicately poised, the decider promises plenty of intrigue.
