By: Vency Saurabh Patel | USA CRICKET
The USA Cricket women’s team secured a historic first ODI win today after playing only five ODIs since gaining status in this format of the game in 2022.
The four-wicket victory against Zimbabwe is Aditi Chudasama’s first win since taking the helm of the team this month. After facing unfavorable results in the first two matches, the USA bounced back by bowling out Zimbabwe for 179 runs in 48.4 overs and chasing the total in 37.2 overs. The win keeps USA’s hopes alive in the five-match series currently underway at the Harare Sports Club.
USA won the toss and elected to field first
After winning a crucial coin-toss, USA opted to send Zimbabwe in to bat on a challenging first-innings pitch. Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum, with top-scorer Modester Mupachikwa contributing 34 runs off 59 balls, and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano adding 28 runs off 46 balls.
USA’s impressive bowling performance, particularly from Geetika Kodali, who claimed a historic and match-winning 5 wicket-haul for 43 runs, played a crucial role in dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting.
Saanvi Immadi provided excellent support with 3 wickets for 28 runs, while Tara Norris and Isani Vaghela maintained economical figures of 2.62 and 2.66, respectively, as they applied constant pressure throughout the innings.
In response, the USA Women chased the target confidently, scoring 182 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in just 37.2 overs.
Openers Gargi Bhogle (36 off 57 balls) and Disha Dhingra (41 off 46) provided a solid start for Team USA with an 87-run partnership before Dhingra fell to Audrey Mazvishaya in the 16th over. Vice Captain Anika Kolan anchored the chase with the top-score of 43 runs off 59 balls.
Despite Zimbabwe’s bowlers Josephine Nkomo (2/32) and Olinda Chare (2/41) claiming a few wickets and creating a middle-order wobble, Sindhu Sriharsha guided the team home with a crucial 30 runs off 45 balls.
The series remains alive as both teams head into the fourth ODI on Saturday, October 26. USA will look to carry forward its momentum to level the series against Zimbabwe.
USA Innings Summary:
● USA: 182/6 (37.2 overs)
● Anika Kolan: 43 (59)
● Disha Dhingra: 41 (46)
● Gargi Bhogle: 36 (57)
● Zimbabwe Bowling: Josephine Nkomo – 2/32 (9), Olinda Chare – 2/41 (9.2), Audrey Mazvishaya – 1/33 (9)
USA Women Squad:
Aditiba Chudasama (C), Disha Dhingra, Ella Claridge, Gargi Bhogle, Geetika Kodali, Isani Vaghela, Jivana Aras, Lekha Shetty, Ritu Singh, Anika Kolan, Sindhu Sriharsha, Chetna Pagydyala, Saanvi Immadi, Sai Tanmayi Eyyunni, Tara Norris
Zimbabwe Innings Summary:
● Zimbabwe: 179 (48.4 overs)
● Modester Mupachikwa: 34 (59)
● Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano: 28 (46)
● Audrey Mazvishaya: 26* (41)
● USA Bowling: Geetika Kodali – 5/43 (10), Saanvi Immadi – 3/28 (9), and
Isani Vaghela – 1/16 (6)
Zimbabwe Women Squad:
Josephine Nkomo (C), Ashley Ndiraya, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Sharne Mayers, Adel Zimunu, Beloved Biza, Christabel Chatonzwa, Modester Mupachikwa, Audrey Mazvishaya, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Loryn Phiri, Nomvelo Sibanda, Olinder Chare, Tendai Makusha
See full scorecard here.
Upcoming games:
- Saturday, October 26, 9:15am: 4th ODI
- Monday, October 28, 9:15am: 5th ODI