Zimbabwe Women Beat West Indies to Claim Historic ICC Championship Win
Zimbabwe Make History in Harare
Zimbabwe Women produced a memorable performance at the Harare Sports Club, defeating the West Indies by four wickets to register their first points in the ICC Women’s Championship.
The victory also levelled the three-match ODI series at 1-1, setting up a decisive third match on 30 September.
The result marked only Zimbabwe Women’s second ODI victory against a Full Member side, making the achievement particularly significant for Josephine Nkomo’s team.
Nyasha Gwanzura Leads Zimbabwe’s Bowling Attack
The foundation for Zimbabwe’s victory was laid by the bowlers, with Nyasha Gwanzura producing the standout performance.
Gwanzura claimed a career-best 4/33 from 10 overs as West Indies were bowled out for just 139 in 39.3 overs. She then contributed an unbeaten 18 during Zimbabwe’s chase and was named Player of the Match.
Michelle Mavunga and Francisca Chipare also played important roles as Zimbabwe repeatedly broke through the West Indies batting order.
West Indies Collapse After Strong Start
West Indies appeared well placed after captain Hayley Matthews and veteran batter Stafanie Taylor added 47 runs for the second wicket.
The visitors reached 56/1 before Gwanzura broke the partnership by dismissing Taylor.
Zimbabwe then struck repeatedly. Francisca Chipare picked up two wickets in three deliveries, while Gwanzura added further wickets as West Indies slipped dramatically from 56/1 to 88/7.
Taylor top-scored for West Indies with 47, but the lower order could not provide enough support.
Ashmini Munisar and Karishma Ramharack added 26 for the final wicket before West Indies were bowled out for 139.
Zimbabwe’s Chase Starts Strongly
Zimbabwe began their chase confidently, with Modester Mupachikwa and Kelis Ndhlovu putting together a 67-run opening partnership.
Mupachikwa scored 38 from 57 balls, while Ndhlovu contributed 30 from 56 deliveries.
However, Zimbabwe briefly lost momentum when three wickets fell for just three runs.
With the chase becoming tense, captain Josephine Nkomo stepped up with a composed 30 from 58 balls.
Nkomo and Gwanzura Finish the Job
Nkomo’s innings provided Zimbabwe with the stability needed to complete the chase.
Although she was dismissed for 30 with Zimbabwe at 133/6, Gwanzura remained at the crease and completed the job alongside Michelle Mavunga.
Zimbabwe reached 140/6 in 40.5 overs, winning with 55 balls remaining.
The result represented a remarkable turnaround after West Indies had defeated Zimbabwe by 99 runs in the opening ODI of the series.
Series Decider on September 30
The three-match ODI series is now level at 1-1, with the deciding match scheduled for 30 September at Harare Sports Club.
The ODI series forms part of the ongoing ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 cycle.
Zimbabwe entered the series after six defeats in their opening six Championship matches, while West Indies came into the contest with four wins from nine matches.
Match Summary
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| West Indies Women | 139 all out (39.3 overs) |
| Zimbabwe Women | 140/6 (40.5 overs) |
| Result | Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Nyasha Gwanzura |
| Best Bowling | Nyasha Gwanzura – 4/33 |
| Series | 1-1 |
