Raipur, Oct 16 Opener Kelis Ndhlovu played some crisp strokes in her 44-ball 42 before India restricted Zimbabwe to 114 for five in the first women’s T20I of the three-match series here on Friday.
Ndhlovu’s effort stood out, while the other Zimbabwe batters struggled against the home team. Sharne Mayers produced an unbeaten 43 off 33 balls to lift Zimbabwe in the death overs.
India and Zimbabwe are playing a bilateral series for the first time.
Ndhlovu made a timely impact on the big stage with her range of shots. She was quick to cut and pull anything short, besides driving the ball effectively down the ground.
However, the left-handed opener slowed down considerably after taking the visitors to 60 for one in 10 overs. She managed just two runs off her last 12 balls before being bowled by Arundhati Reddy.
Ndhlovu’s opening partner, Beloved Biza, perished in the first over after missing a straight delivery from Kranti Gaud.
Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa (16 off 26 balls) then shared a 53-run stand, with the former doing most of the scoring.
Mupachikwa offered a simple catch to spinner Shree Charani in the 11th over to leave Zimbabwe at 60 for two.
Zimbabwe’s batters played too many dot balls, indicating that they have a long way to go before they can compete with stronger teams like India.
Mayers struck two sixes and four boundaries late in the innings to add valuable runs to the team’s total.
The match also marked the beginning of Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy era.
(PTI News)
