Zimbabwe face Ireland in first ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier match

part from Ireland, Zimbabwe’s other Group A opponents are India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Group B comprises South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland and Papua New Guinea.

Zimbabwe will be out to get their campaign at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 off to a good start when they play Ireland on Tuesday in their first group match in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Coached by Trevor Phiri, Zimbabwe made their intentions at the 10-team tournament clear by romping to a convincing 95-run win over Scotland in a warm-up match played on Sunday. After being asked to bat first at Colombo Cricket Club, Zimbabwe ran up a total of 197 for nine in 50 overs, with Pellagia Mujaji top-scoring with 39, while Loreen Tshuma chipped in with a valuable 32. Tasmeen Granger then starred with the ball, taking two wickets for 23 runs off the nine overs she bowled. She also effected two run-outs. Anesu Mushangwe also bowled superbly as she grabbed two wickets for two runs off her two overs.

Nomatter Mutasa, Esther Mbofana and Tshuma all took a wicket each as Zimbabwe bowled out Scotland for 102 to seal the win. Despite that morale-boosting victory, Phiri’s charges know too well the real job starts tomorrow and will therefore have to guard against complacency.

“This tournament is very big for us. We have to do well and put Zimbabwe women’s cricket back on the map. We do well and more women’s cricket will be played back home,” Zimbabwe captain Sharne Mayers said on the eve of the first round.

Apart from Ireland, Zimbabwe’s other Group A opponents are India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Group B comprises South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland and Papua New Guinea.

Each side will play four matches in the first round, following which the top three sides from each group will progress to the Super Six stage, while also carrying forward points they earn against sides which have progressed to the Super Six stage from their group.

The top four sides from the Super Six stage, in which each side will play three matches against teams from the other group, will complete the eight-team line-up for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, while the top two sides will battle it out for the title in the 21 February final.

The top four sides will also earn places in the second edition of the ICC Women’s Championship, while the teams that make the Super Six stage of the tournament will also be assured of ODI status for the next four-year cycle.

Zimbabwe squad for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017:

Sharne Mayers (c), Precious Marange, Esther Mbofana, Pellagia Mujaji, Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Mary-Anne Musonda, Nomatter Mutasa, Ashley Ndiraya, Josephine Nkomo, Nonhlanhla Nyathi (wk), Loreen Tshuma, Tasmeen Granger, Nomvelo Sibanda and Anesu Mushangwe. Coach: Trevor Phiri.