Zimbabwe Women and West Indies Women are set to face each other in the first ODI of their series at Harare Sports Club. The match will be the first-ever ODI meeting between the two teams, with both sides looking to begin the series on a positive note. West Indies Women enter the contest in strong form after completing a 3-0 ODI series sweep against Ireland Women away from home. Hayley Matthews will lead the side, with Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle and Karishma Ramharack among the players expected to play important roles in the series.

Zimbabwe Women, meanwhile, will be looking to put their recent struggles behind them after suffering a 3-0 ODI series defeat against Pakistan Women. Their squad includes several experienced players, including Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo and Kelis Ndhlovu, but the hosts will need their batters to convert starts into substantial scores against a strong West Indies attack.

ZIM-W vs WI-W, 1st ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: September 24, 9:30 AM Local / 7:30 AM GMT / 1:00 PM IST
• Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

ZIM-W vs WI-W Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Zimbabwe Women and West Indies Women have never faced each other in ODI cricket, making this the first-ever meeting between the two sides in the format.

Harare Sports Club Pitch Report

The surface at Harare Sports Club is generally known to provide good conditions for batting, particularly once batters settle into their innings. The pitch tends to offer consistent bounce and good value for shots, while the quick outfield can help well-timed strokes race away to the boundary. Fast bowlers could have an opportunity to make an impact during the early overs. The new ball is expected to provide some seam movement and carry during the opening stages, meaning batters may need to remain watchful before taking greater risks.

As the innings progresses, the surface should become more favourable for stroke-making. However, spinners could come into the game during the middle overs as the ball gets older and the pitch begins to slow slightly. Bowlers who vary their pace and maintain disciplined lines could therefore make life difficult for the batters.

Squads

Zimbabwe Women: Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu (w), Kelis Ndhlovu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Sharne Mayers, Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo (c), Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda, Kudzai Chigora, Modester Mupachikwa, Loryn Phiri, Olinder Chare, Christine Mutasa, Tendai Makusha

West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Realeanna Grimmond, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Shemaine Campbelle (w), Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shawnisha Hector, Mandy Mangru, Zaida James, Eboni Brathwaite

Also READ: ZIM-W vs WI-W, ODI Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming – When and where to watch in India, South Africa & other countries

ZIM-W vs WI-W, 1st ODI: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• WI-W wins the toss and bowls first
• ZIM-W’s powerplay score: 35-40
• ZIM-W’s total score: 210-220

Case 2:

• ZIM-W wins the toss and bowls first
• WI-W’s powerplay score: 40-50
• WI-W’s total score: 250-260

Match Result: Team bowling first to win the match.

Also READ: West Indies unveil Women’s white-ball squad for Zimbabwe tour, Hayley Matthews to miss T20I series

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.