THE Zimbabwe women’s cricket team got their maiden bilateral tour of Thailand off to the worst possible start after falling to a disappointing 78-run loss in the opening One Day International (ODI) match at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok yesterday.
After managing to restrict the hosts to just 154 runs in 43 of their allotted 50 overs, with teenage allrounder Kellis Ndlovu claiming a five-wicket haul, the Lady Chevrons appeared to have laid the platform for a winning start.
In the end, the Lady Chevrons were bowled out for a paltry 76 runs in 24,1 overs to slump to a disappointing defeat, which leaves them facing a daunting task for the remainder of the tour.
Batting first after winning the toss, the hosts started off slowly, with Sornnarin Tippoch, Natthakan Chatham, and Banthida Leephatthana departing early.
However, captain Naruemol Chaiwai held the innings together with a patient knock of 57 runs off 104 deliveries, including seven boundaries while Nattaya Boochatham also chipped in with a crucial 25 runs off 50 deliveries.
Gifted allrounder Ndlovu was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe, taking five wickets for just 22 runs in her nine overs. She was complemented by Josephine Nkomo and Precious Marange, who also bagged a wicket each.
In response, Zimbabwe struggled to get going, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Experienced opening batter Sharne Mayers top-scored with 24 runs off 24 deliveries, including two boundaries and a six.
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Chipo Mugeri contributed 18 runs off 34 deliveries, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to make an impact.
With the ball, Thipatcha Putthawong was the standout performer for Thailand, picking up a sensational six-wicket haul while conceding just six runs in her 6.1 overs. Phannita Maya and Suleeporn Laomi also picked up a wicket each.
Zimbabwe will be hoping to keep the three-match series alive when the two teams meet in the second ODI on Friday while the third ODI will be played on Sunday.
The three-ODI series will be followed up by a four-match T20I series. This is the first time that the Zimbabwe women's cricket team is touring Thailand to participate in an international bilateral series.
The tour is an opportunity to improve their position on the ICC ODI rankings, where they are ranked 13th while Thailand Women currently occupy the eighth spot.
The last time these two sides met in a bilateral series was in 2021 with Thailand Women winning 2-1 in Harare.
