Zimbabwe and Thailand will be up against each other in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Takashinga Cricket Club, Harare, on Friday, 27 August. Earlier, the four-match unofficial One-Day series ended in a 2-2 draw.
Thailand chased down a target of 213 runs with five wickets to spare. Nattaya Boochatham, Wongpaka Liengprasert, and Chanida Sutthiruang scored thirties to lay a foundation. Sutthiruang struck 52 in 49 balls, and was well assisted by Sornnarin Tippoch (29) as they mowed down the total.
Boochatham made a fifty in the second match as well. She also claimed ten wickets in the series. Skipper Naruemol Chaiwai was the leading run-scorer for her team. Chaiwai even made a century coming at No. 7 in the third match.
Zimbabwe failed to defend 212 in the fourth match. Chipo Mugeri has been their most consistent batter, notching two half-centuries in three matches. Ashley Niradya has been quite inconsistent, and her opening partner Modester Mupachikwa made 52 in the third game to propel her side to a victory.
On the bowling front, Josephine Nkomo bagged ten wickets in four games. She claimed a five-for in the second OD, and followed it with three wickets in the next.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Mary-Anne Musonda has been the leading run-getter for Zimbabwe. Pick her, along with Mugeri.
- You cannot avoid Boochatham, who has delivered with both bat and ball in the one-dayers.
- Among bowlers, go for Josephine Nkomo and Nomvelo Sibadana.
Probable XIs
Zimbabwe: Ashley Ndiraya, Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Mary-Anne Musonda (c), Josephine Nkomo, Christabel Chatonzwa, Precious Marange, Loryn Phiri, Esther Mbofana, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda.
Thailand: Nattaya Boochatham, Natthakan Chantham, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Wongpaka Liengprasert, Chanida Sutthiruang, Sornnarin Tippoch, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Suleeporn Laomi, Phannita Maya, Thipatcha Putthawong.
Match Prediction:
Zimbabwe should take 1-0 lead.