The opening One-Day International of the bilateral series between New Zealand Women and Zimbabwe Women will take place at University Oval in Dunedin. Zimbabwe enter the ODI leg after enduring a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series against the White Ferns and will be eager to produce a stronger showing in the 50-over format.
Having last played an ODI a couple of months ago, Zimbabwe Women will look to compete more effectively against a dominant New Zealand side. Here are three players who could play pivotal roles in the first ODI:
Loreen Tshuma
Loreen Tshuma has established herself as a dependable batting all-rounder for Zimbabwe in recent seasons. Across 21 ODI innings, she has accumulated 255 runs at a strike rate of 58.89. With the ball, she has claimed 22 wickets in 19 innings while maintaining an economy rate of 4.
In her most recent ODI appearance, Tshuma contributed 32 runs and collected two wickets, underlining her value in both departments. Her dual skill set makes her a key figure for Zimbabwe heading into the series.
Loryn Phiri
Loryn Phiri has been a consistent wicket-taking option for Zimbabwe across formats. In ODIs, she has taken seven wickets in 13 innings, conceding runs at an economy rate of 5.03.
In her latest ODI outing against UAE Women, Phiri impressed with a composed 48 and also picked up a wicket. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides balance to the side, and she will aim to make an impact in Dunedin.
Josephine Nkomo
Josephine Nkomo remains one of Zimbabwe’s standout performers in the 50-over format. From 16 ODI innings, she has scored 487 runs at a strike rate of 68.98, while also taking 26 wickets in 17 innings at an economy rate of 3.85.
In her previous match against UAE Women, Nkomo delivered a strong all-round display, scoring 76 and taking a wicket. As Zimbabwe prepare to face New Zealand Women, she will carry significant responsibility as both a run-scorer and a bowling option.
