Eboni Brathwaite produced a record-breaking innings as West Indies Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by eight wickets in the second T20I in Harare, sealing the three-match series with a 2-0 lead.
Chasing 107, the 17-year-old opener blasted 57 from just 23 balls and reached her maiden T20I half-century from only 20 deliveries – the fastest fifty by a West Indies batter in women’s T20 internationals.
Claxton Leads Bowling Effort
West Indies chose to bowl first and kept Zimbabwe under pressure throughout the innings.
The hosts made a steady start through Kelis Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza, who added 46 runs for the opening wicket. Biza went on to top-score with 35, while Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano contributed 25.
However, Zimbabwe lost momentum after reaching 78/1 in the 13th over. Jahzara Claxton triggered the collapse and finished with excellent figures of 3/14 as the home side closed on 106/7 from their 20 overs.
Brathwaite Rewrites West Indies Record Books
The modest chase was effectively decided inside the powerplay. Brathwaite attacked from the outset, smashing three fours and six sixes in her 23-ball 57. She reached fifty from just 20 balls, improving on Deandra Dottin’s previous West Indies women’s T20I record of 22 balls against Australia in 2009.
The innings was also Brathwaite’s first international half-century in what was only her fourth T20I appearance.
By the end of the six-over powerplay, West Indies had already raced to 69/2, leaving Zimbabwe with almost no realistic route back into the match.
Grimmond and Taylor Finish the Chase
After Brathwaite’s dismissal, Realeanna Grimmond and Stafanie Taylor calmly completed the job.
Grimmond remained unbeaten on 23 from 16 balls, while Taylor finished the chase as West Indies reached 108/2 with 65 balls remaining.
The emphatic win secured the series with one match still to play.
West Indies Target Clean Sweep
The third and final T20I will also be played at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare on October 7. West Indies will head into the match looking to complete a 3-0 sweep after dominant victories in the opening two games.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe Women 106/7 (Beloved Biza 35; Jahzara Claxton 3/14) lost to West Indies Women 108/2 (Eboni Brathwaite 57, Realeanna Grimmond 23*) by eight wickets.
