Claxton stars as Windies Women cruise past Zimbabwe in T20I opener
Key Points(5)
- Jahzara Claxton produced a commanding all-around performance as West Indies Women opened their T20I series against Zimbabwe with a comfortable eight-wicket victory on Saturday.
- The 20-year-old first claimed two wickets during a disciplined bowling display that restricted Zimbabwe to 97 for nine at Takashinga Sports Club, then returned to score an unbeaten 31 as the visitors raced to 98 for two in only 12.5 overs.
- West Indies completed the chase with 43 balls to spare despite being without captain Hayley Matthews, with the bowling attack laying the foundation for a one-sided contest.
- Claxton was named Player of the Match after facing 37 balls and hitting four fours in her unbeaten innings.
- Zimbabwe struggle against disciplined attack Sent in to bat, Zimbabwe never managed to establish a meaningful partnership.
Jahzara Claxton produced a commanding all-around performance as West Indies Women opened their T20I series against Zimbabwe with a comfortable eight-wicket victory on Saturday.
The 20-year-old first claimed two wickets during a disciplined bowling display that restricted Zimbabwe to 97 for nine at Takashinga Sports Club, then returned to score an unbeaten 31 as the visitors raced to 98 for two in only 12.5 overs.
West Indies completed the chase with 43 balls to spare despite being without captain Hayley Matthews, with the bowling attack laying the foundation for a one-sided contest.
Claxton was named Player of the Match after facing 37 balls and hitting four fours in her unbeaten innings.
Zimbabwe struggle against disciplined attack
Sent in to bat, Zimbabwe never managed to establish a meaningful partnership.
Chinelle Henry, leading the West Indies in Matthews’ absence, made the first breakthrough when Sharne Mayers was caught out for a duck from the final ball of the third over, leaving Zimbabwe with only 13 runs.
Karishma Ramharack then tightened the screws from the other end.
The offspinner trapped Kelis Ndhlovu lbw for 11 before removing Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano for four, reducing Zimbabwe to 37 for three in the 10th over.
Modester Mupachikwa struggled throughout her innings and was eventually bowled by Afy Fletcher for 20 from 33 balls.
Claxton then joined the attack and removed Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo for eight, leaving the hosts at 65 for five.
Late resistance falls short
Beloved Biza provided Zimbabwe with some much-needed resistance, scoring 21 from 24 balls, while Nyasha Gwanzura added 10.
Their contributions helped Zimbabwe approach the 100-run mark, but the home side could manage only 97 for nine from its 20 overs.
Ramharack led the attack with three for 17, while Claxton took two for 16 and Fletcher two for 18.
Brathwaite, Grimmond finish the job
The West Indies wasted little time attacking the modest target.
Eboni Brathwaite and Claxton put on 38 in just four overs before legspinner Olinder Chare broke the opening stand by bowling Brathwaite for an aggressive 23 from 14 balls.
That dismissal did little to change the course of the chase.
Claxton and Realeanna Grimmond combined for a decisive 59-run second-wicket partnership, taking the West Indies to the brink of victory.
Grimmond fell only after the scores were level, returning a catch to Biza after making 34 from 25 balls.
Stafanie Taylor then walked in and needed only one delivery to finish the match, taking a single to complete an emphatic eight-wicket victory.
With Claxton contributing in both innings and the bowlers keeping Zimbabwe under sustained pressure, the West Indies began the series with a performance that was as efficient as it was convincing.
