Sports Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s hopes of ending their T20I series against West Indies on a high were dashed on Wednesday after the visitors cruised to an eight-wicket victory at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare.
The defeat condemned Zimbabwe to a 3-0 series whitewash, adding to the disappointment of a tour in which the hosts struggled to match the Caribbean side’s quality in the shortest format.
Zimbabwe, however, gave their supporters something to cheer about with a determined batting effort after being sent in to bat.
Opener Kelis Ndhlovu produced the standout performance for the hosts, anchoring the innings with a well-made 63 off 48 balls.
Ndhlovu struck six fours and three sixes as she attempted to give Zimbabwe a competitive total, but the hosts were unable to provide her with enough support at the other end.
Beloved Biza chipped in with 21 off 16 balls, while Christine Mutasa remained unbeaten on 24 from 19 deliveries as Zimbabwe finished on 142 for six from their 20 overs.
The total, though, proved insufficient against a powerful West Indies batting line-up.
West Indies made the chase look remarkably comfortable, reaching 143 for two in 17 overs to seal victory with three overs to spare.
Veteran star Stafanie Taylor proved the difference between the two sides, producing a brilliant all-round performance.
After taking two wickets for just eight runs with the ball, Taylor returned to dominate with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 64 from 39 balls.
Her aggressive innings included 11 fours, leaving Zimbabwe’s bowlers with few answers as the visitors took control of the chase.
Jahzara Claxton also played an important role, scoring 38 from 37 balls before Taylor and Jannillea Glasgow completed the job.
The clean sweep underlined the gap Zimbabwe still have to bridge against one of the established sides in women’s international cricket.
Claxton was named Player of the Series after an impressive campaign in which she scored 73 runs and claimed seven wickets.
Taylor’s unbeaten half-century and two wickets earned her the Player of the Match award.
The T20I series followed West Indies’ 2-1 victory in the preceding three-match ODI series, meaning Zimbabwe managed just one win across the six matches played against the visitors.
That solitary success came in the second ODI, when Zimbabwe stunned West Indies by four wickets.
Despite the disappointing T20I result, Zimbabwe will take encouragement from the emergence of players such as Ndhlovu, while the series has provided valuable exposure against a side boasting considerable international experience.
