New Zealand women continued their dominant run against Zimbabwe women in the first ODI played at the University Oval in Dunedin on Wednesday, the 4th of March. After winning the three-match T20I series 3-0, the White Ferns have started the ODI campaign in style. Zimbabwe women won the toss and chose to bowl first. New Zealand batters outgunned Zimbabwe's attack with their destructive strokeplay and attacking intent.
Middle order batter Brooke Halliday was the star of the New Zealand batting line-up, scoring an unbeaten 157 in 114 balls, hitting 24 fours and 1 six. The 30-year-old batting all-rounder smashed the Zimbabwean bowling line-up with some cracking square drives and powerful cover drives.
The left-hander wasn’t afraid of hitting the ball down the ground. Halliday’s inning was a mix of powerful and effortless stroke play. Maddy Green also played an elegant knock of 67, while wicket-keeper batter Isabelle Gaze scored a crucial unbeaten 59 in 42 balls, hitting 10 fours. Off break bowler Christabel Chatonzwa registered figures of 1/59 while right arm medium pacer Precious Marange registered figures of 1/52 for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe women were bowled out for 174 as only opener Kelis Ndhlovu managed to score 52, while middle order batters Chipo Mugeri Tiripano and Beloved Biza scored 38 and 29 respectively. Apart from these batters, no Zimbabwe batter looked in a position to revive the innings.
On the other hand, New Zealand bowlers showcased consistency with their wicket-taking abilities and bowled in the right areas. All-rounder Amelia Kerr was the star of New Zealand's bowling line-up, claiming 4/35 with her clever leg break, while pacer Jessica Kerr registered figures of 3/28. New Zealand women won the first ODI by 180 runs, thus showcasing their might at the international level.
Both teams will play the second ODI at the same venue on Sunday, the 8th of March. New Zealand women will hope to win that match and also the series, while Zimbabwe women need to make a comeback if they want to stay alive in the series.
