Kelis Ndlovu
Beloved Biza
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
Chiedza Dhururu
Nyasha Gwanzura
Christina Mutasa✱
Chinelle Henry
Shawnisha Hector
Jahzara Claxton
Karishma Ramharack
Stafanie Taylor
Realeanna Grimmond
Jannillea Glasgow✱
Tendai Makusha
Loryn Phiri
Kudzai Chigora
Stafanie Taylor's blistering 64 turned the tide at Takashinga Sports Club on Wednesday, as West Indies Women completed a dramatic chase, edging Zimbabwe Women by eight wickets with just seven balls remaining. The match, part of the West Indies Women tour of Zimbabwe 2026, provided cricket fans with a thrilling finish under a clear, sunny sky.
Match Summary
Zimbabwe Women won the toss and elected to bat, posting a respectable 142-6 in 20 overs. Opening partner Kelis Ndlovu anchored the innings, smashing 63 runs off 48 balls and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Beloved Biza added a quick 21 off 16, while the lower order contributed valuable runs to set a competitive target.
In response, West Indies Women began cautiously but accelerated after the powerplay. Taylor's 64 off 39 balls, combined with Jahzara Claxton's steady 38 off 37, propelled the side to a swift 143-2 in just 17 overs. The chase was sealed with a flurry of boundaries, and the visitors celebrated a narrow yet decisive win.
Key Performances
Kelis Ndlovu (ZIM) top‑scored with 63, showcasing a blend of aggression and composure. Her innings featured 7 fours and 3 sixes, anchoring Zimbabwe's total.
Stafanie Taylor (WI) was the standout batter for the visitors, striking 64 runs at a strike rate of 164. Her innings included 6 fours and 4 sixes, effectively dismantling the Zimbabwe bowling attack.
Jahzara Claxton (WI) contributed a crucial 38, providing stability in the middle order and rotating the strike efficiently.
On the bowling front, Chinelle Henry (ZIM) claimed 1 for 26 in three overs, while Shawnisha Hector (ZIM) returned 1 for 20 in the same spell. Jahzara Claxton (ZIM) also bowled a disciplined spell, taking 2 for 35 in four overs.
For West Indies, Christina Mutasa delivered a tidy spell of 1 for 19 in three overs, restricting the Zimbabwean chase during the middle overs.
Turning Points
The first turning point arrived when Ndlovu’s 63 set a platform, but the loss of quick wickets at 90/4 stalled Zimbabwe's momentum. The second decisive moment came during the West Indies chase when Taylor, after a cautious start, unleashed a six‑run over that shifted the required run rate dramatically in her favor.
Another crucial juncture was the penultimate over, where Taylor and Claxton together smashed 18 runs, sealing the win and leaving Zimbabwe with no realistic chance of a comeback.
Series Implications
This victory gives West Indies Women a 1‑0 lead in the West Indies Women tour of Zimbabwe 2026 series. The win not only boosts their confidence but also puts pressure on Zimbabwe Women, who will need to regroup quickly for the next encounter.
With the series now tilted in West Indies' favor, the upcoming matches will be crucial for Zimbabwe to close the gap. The performances of Ndlovu and Taylor will be key talking points, and both teams will look to fine‑tune their strategies ahead of the next fixture.
Cricket enthusiasts searching for the Zimbabwe Women T20I score or the West Indies Women cricket today will find this match a prime example of high‑octane T20 action. Stay tuned for live updates on the West Indies Women tour of Zimbabwe 2026 live score as the series unfolds.