West Indies Women seal 2-0 lead against Zimbabwe

Eboni Brathwaite made a rapid half-century in the powerplay. (Zimbabwe Cricket) Eboni Brathwaite smashed 57 from just 23 deliveries in Harare to inspire West Indies Women to an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series. Zimbabwe, sent in after losing the toss, made a cautious start and reached 46 without loss in the ninth over before Kelis Ndhlovu was trapped lbw by Afy Fletcher for 25. Beloved Biza followed after making a team-high 35 from a similar number of deliveries, falling to Jahzara Claxton. Claxton then struck again with the fourth ball of the 13th over, removing Christine Mutasa for a golden duck as Zimbabwe’s innings began to unravel. Zimbabwe’s batters struggled to build any meaningful partnerships, with Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano’s 25 the only significant contribution before she was run out. They were eventually restricted to 106 for seven from their allotted 20 overs. Claxton was the most successful West Indies bowler after taking three for 14, with Fletcher recording figures of one for 19 and Stafanie Taylor one for 12. You Might Be Interested In In West Indies’ reply, Brathwaite signalled her intentions from early as she set about chasing down the modest target. Claxton was dismissed by the last ball of the third over, but by then West Indies had already progressed to 27, with Brathwaite leading the charge. Her dismissal off the penultimate ball of the powerplay saw West Indies well on the way to victory at 69 for two, with the Barbadian’s innings of 57, featuring three fours and six sixes, coming at an impressive strike rate of 247.82. Realeanna Grimmond added 23 not out from 16 balls as West Indies eased to victory at 108 for two off 10 overs and one ball, to complete an emphatic all round performance. Kudzai Chigora and Christine Mutasa took a wicket apiece for Zimbabwe. The final match of the series gets underway in Harare on Wednesday, where West Indies will be keen to complete a series sweep, while Zimbabwe will be hoping to salvage a morale boosting win. (KH)