In a remarkable display of talent, 15-year-old Beloved Biza made a sensational debut at senior level as she inspired Zimbabwe Women to a five-wicket victory over the United States of America Women in the opening encounter of their five-match one-day international series at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
The starlet first claimed three wickets before hitting the match’s highest score of 38 to complete a brilliant all-round performance.
After being put in to bat first, the USA Women were bundled out 152 in 43.5 overs, with Anika Kolan and Tara Norris contributing 37 and 31 to the innings respectively.
Biza was the best of the Zimbabwe Women bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of three wickets for 22 runs off eight overs, while Josephine Nkomo claimed as many scalps, at a cost of 29 runs off 6.5 overs.
There were also two wickets apiece for Christabel Chatonzwa and Audrey Mazvishaya.
In the process, Mupachikwa broke the Zimbabwe record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a women’s match, taking four catches.
The hosts started their chase on the backfoot as Sharne Mayers was sent back to the pavilion without scoring, trapped lbw off the very first delivery she faced, from Norris.
With a second wicket partnership between Modester Mupachikwa and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano beginning to blossom, Norris struck again, bowling out Mupachikwa at 32 in the fifth over.
She had struck three boundaries before her dismissal for 16 off 12 balls.
Mugeri-Tiripano’s 29, with six fours, helped take Zimbabwe Women to 56 for three in the 10th over, leaving them requiring 97 runs from 242 balls at about 2.4 runs an over.
A 40-run stand between Biza and Ashley Ndiraya boosted the chase, before the latter departed for 11.
When Biza was caught at the wicket for an impressive 38, with five fours, Zimbabwe Women now needed 40 runs from 149 balls.
Another debutant, Runyararo Pasipanodya, then came in to join Nkomo and victory was achieved without further loss, with 15.3 overs to spare.
Nkomo completed the job with an unbeaten 33, including six fours, off 45 balls, while Pasipanodya stood firm in a supporting role, contributing five not out.
The second match between the two sides is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.
USA Women – 152 all out in 43.5 overs (Anika Kolan 37, Tara Norris 31, Disha Dhingra 23; Beloved Biza 3/22, Josephine Nkomo 3/29, Christabel Chatonzwa 2/21)
Zimbabwe Women – 154-5 in 34.3 overs (Beloved Biza 38, Josephine Nkomo 33*, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 29; Tara Norris 2/20, Isani Vaghela 2/36, Aditiba Chudasama 1/31)
Zimbabwe Women won by five wickets
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