Zimbabwe, in desperate need of a win after their opening loss to Vanuatu, responded emphatically with a comprehensive all-round display against UAE in the Global Qualifier.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, UAE found themselves restrained by Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling effort during the Powerplay.

Josephine Nkomo made an early impact, claiming two wickets in her second over to dismiss Theertha Satish and Khushi Sharma.

Attempting to inject momentum into the innings in the final over of the fielding restrictions, UAE’s captain Esha Oza managed to find the boundary off Lindokuhle Mabhero. However, her innings was short-lived as she was bowled the very next ball, leaving UAE struggling at 23/3 at the end of the Powerplay.

Kavisha Egodage and Heena Hotchandani joined forces to stabilise UAE’s innings, forming a resilient partnership of 52 runs for the fourth wicket. However, despite their efforts, boundaries were scarce and the partnership progressed at a rate slower than a run per ball. The partnership met an untimely end with a mix-up between the two, resulting in a crucial run-out breakthrough for Zimbabwe.

With three overs to go and the score only at 93/4, Hotchandani had no option but to accelerate and fell in her effort to do so. Nkomo returned to the attack in the penultimate over and scalped two more wickets off consecutive balls to record a four-wicket haul.

Two more wickets fell in the final over as UAE hobbled to a total of 105/9.