By: Yashaaditi Teki | USA Cricket
| The USA Cricket women’s team secured its second victory in the 5th ODI of the series against Zimbabwe Women. Despite losing the series 2-3, the Coach Hilton Moreeng-led USA returns home with several historical milestones. The 7-wicket victory against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club was fueled by the history-making performance of 16-year old ODI debutant, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala, with a scintillating 136 runs not out off 152 balls. USA restricted Zimbabwe to 246 runs in 50 overs and chased the total down comfortably with more than 5 overs to spare. USA won the toss and elected to field first USA started their bowling attack with Tara Norris picking up a crucial wicket of the opponents’ opening batter for a duck, and giving USA a strong start. Thereafter, Zimbabwe women picked up their momentum with a 117-run partnership between Modester Mupachikwa scoring 59 off 78 deliveries and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano scoring 60 runs off 68 deliveries. USA’s introduction of spin into the attack resulted in two quick wickets by Ritu Singh, shifting the momentum back towards USA’s favor. Saanvi Immadi provided excellent support once again by bowling an economical spell of 10 overs, 36 runs, with 2 maidens which aided in slowing down Zimbabwe’s scoring-rate during a crucial stage of the game. Skipper Aditiba Chudasama ended the innings by picking up two wickets with Tara Norris following her lead to pick up a wicket in the death overs. USA Women maintained their composure and restricted Zimbabwe Women to 246 runs in 50 overs. USA Women responded with a dominating chase that was fueled by Chetna Reddy Pagydyala’s historical milestone of scoring 136* runs in 152 deliveries, becoming the first American female player to score a century in any format of international cricket. She now holds the world record for the highest individual score on debut in women ODIs of 136*, surpassing a 51-year old record held by England’s Lynne Thomas. Pagydyala is also the second youngest to score a century on debut in a women’s ODI, only bettered by Amy Hunter of Ireland who achieved the rare milestone on her 16th birthday. The Southern Californian’s 136* also gives her the 14th highest maiden hundred in women’s ODIs. Pagydyala and Disha Dhingra put on an impressive 116-run opening partnership, setting a confident tone throughout the innings. USA finished the chase with another crucial, 88-run partnership between Chetna Reddy Pagydyala and Sindhu Sriharsha (35 runs off 39 deliveries), taking the team to victory with 7 wickets remaining. Despite the series loss, USA women have left an indelible mark at Harare with many firsts. Skipper Chudasama’s squad registered its first ODI win since gaining ODI status and Pagydyala picked up several records with her blistering century on debut. USA Cricket expresses its gratitude to Zimbabwe Cricket for hosting our women’s team and congratulates both teams on a successful, competitive and exciting series. |