The United Arab Emirates Women capped off their tour of Zimbabwe with a statement performance, defeating Zimbabwe Women by 45 runs in the 4th ODI at Queens Sports Club on Wednesday. The comprehensive victory ensured the four-match series ended in a 2-2 draw, with UAE bouncing back impressively after losing the third encounter.
Captain Esha Oza’s magnificent 82 and a disciplined bowling performance powered the visitors to 274/7 before restricting Zimbabwe to 229/7 in their chase, sealing a memorable finish to what proved to be a competitive series.
Match Overview: UAE Post Competitive Total After Winning Toss
After Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field first, UAE’s top order seized the initiative from the opening delivery. The decision to bowl first backfired for the hosts as the UAE openers built a rock-solid foundation that would prove insurmountable.
The morning session belonged entirely to the visitors, with captain Esha Oza and wicketkeeper Theertha Satish constructing a massive 165-run opening partnership that set the tone for the innings. Both batters played fluently, ensuring UAE capitalized on the powerplay restrictions and favorable batting conditions at Queens Sports Club.
First Innings: Oza and Satish Dominate as UAE Build Strong Foundation
The UAE Women vs ZIM Women 4th ODI result was shaped significantly by the opening stand. Oza and Satish added a commanding 165 runs for the first wicket, punishing anything loose from the Zimbabwe attack. The partnership featured 19 boundaries and complete domination through the first 30 overs.
Esha Oza, who would later be named Player of the Match, crafted an authoritative 82 off 95 balls. Her innings spanned over two hours and included 13 boundaries, showcasing her class and composure at the crease. The UAE captain mixed caution with aggression perfectly, striking at 86.31 while anchoring the innings from the front.
At the other end, Theertha Satish provided excellent support with a well-constructed 66 off 99 balls. Her innings included 14 boundaries and demonstrated the depth of batting talent in this UAE squad. The wicketkeeper-batter’s ability to rotate strike and find boundaries at crucial moments kept the scoreboard ticking throughout her 164-minute stay at the crease.
The opening stand finally ended in the 31st over when Oza departed for 82, caught by Makusha off Chipare’s bowling. Satish followed shortly after in the 36th over, bowled by Loreen Tshuma after her patient 66.
Middle and Death Overs: UAE Push Toward 275
After the breakthrough, Zimbabwe managed to claw back some control during the middle overs. Rinitha Rajith provided crucial impetus with a brisk 26 off 46 balls, while Heena Hotchandani accelerated with an aggressive 25 off just 23 deliveries, striking at over 108.
Samaira Dharnidharka remained unbeaten on 18 off 17 balls, ensuring UAE capitalized on the death overs despite losing wickets regularly. Lower-order contributions from Al Maseera Jahangir (9) helped the visitors post a formidable 274/7 from their 50 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Loreen Tshuma was the pick of the bowlers with 2/42 from her eight overs, while Josephine Nkomo, Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhero, and Loryn Phiri each claimed a wicket. However, the 42 extras conceded—including 31 wides—proved costly in the final analysis.
Zimbabwe’s Chase: Nkomo’s Heroics Not Enough
Chasing 275 for victory, Zimbabwe Women suffered a nightmare start. Kelis Ndhlovu was dismissed for a golden duck in the first over, caught behind off Samaira Dharnidharka’s bowling, leaving the hosts reeling at 1/1.
Modester Mupachikwa (32 off 69) and Loreen Tshuma (32 off 34) steadied the ship with a 53-run partnership for the second wicket, but both fell in quick succession as Zimbabwe slumped to 87/4 by the 24th over.
Nkomo’s Captain’s Knock Keeps Hope Alive
Josephine Nkomo emerged as Zimbabwe’s beacon of hope, crafting a magnificent captain’s knock of 76 off 98 balls. Her innings showcased immense grit and contained 10 boundaries as she counter-attacked against disciplined UAE bowling. Nkomo’s strike rate of 77.55 kept Zimbabwe in the hunt through the middle overs.
The skipper found an excellent ally in Loryn Phiri, and together they added a crucial 108-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Phiri played his part brilliantly, scoring 48 off 60 balls with seven boundaries at a strike rate of 80.
The partnership gave Zimbabwe a glimmer of hope, bringing the equation down to manageable levels. However, the dismissal of Nkomo for 76 in the 44th over proved to be the turning point. Caught by Botha off Esha Oza’s bowling, the captain’s departure triggered a mini-collapse.
Phiri followed immediately, caught by Botha off Dharnidharka for 48, and suddenly Zimbabwe were 197/6. Wicketkeeper Chiedza Dhururu (6) couldn’t provide the late flourish needed, bowled by Oza in the 46th over.
Adel Zimunu (15 not out) and Francisca Chipare (11 not out) added an unbeaten 24 for the eighth wicket, but the damage was done. Zimbabwe finished on 229/7, falling 45 runs short despite a spirited effort.
Scorecard Summary
| Team | Runs/Wickets | Overs | Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Women | 274/7 | 50.0 | 5.48 |
| Zimbabwe Women | 229/7 | 50.0 | 4.58 |
Result: UAE Women won by 45 runs
Last 10 Overs Run Flow
UAE Women (Overs 41-50)
| Overs | Runs | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 41-45 | 31 | Hotchandani 25 (23), three wickets fall |
| 46-50 | 30 | Dharnidharka 18* guides finish, reach 274/7 |
Zimbabwe Women (Overs 41-50)
| Overs | Runs | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 41-45 | 41 | Nkomo 76, Phiri 48 – partnership broken |
| 46-50 | 32 | Lower order resistance, finish on 229/7 |
Top Performers
UAE Women:
- Esha Oza (c) — 82 runs (95 balls), 13×4, SR: 86.31 | Also 2/56 with the ball | Player of the Match
- Theertha Satish (†) — 66 runs (99 balls), 14×4, SR: 66.66
- Samaira Dharnidharka — 18* (17 balls) | 2/46 with the ball
- Suraksha Kotte — 2/35 (10 overs) on WODI debut
- Heena Hotchandani — 25 (23 balls), SR: 108.69
Zimbabwe Women:
- Josephine Nkomo (c) — 76 runs (98 balls), 10×4, SR: 77.55
- Loryn Phiri — 48 runs (60 balls), 7×4, SR: 80.00
- Loreen Tshuma — 32 (34 balls) with the bat | 2/42 with the ball
- Modester Mupachikwa — 32 (69 balls)
Bowling Analysis: UAE’s Disciplined Attack
The UAE Women vs ZIM Women 4th ODI result was sealed by a clinical bowling performance. Samaira Dharnidharka led the attack with 2/46 from her 10 overs, claiming the crucial wickets of Ndhlovu and Phiri. Debutant Suraksha Kotte impressed with figures of 2/35, dismissing both Tshuma and Pasipanodya to break Zimbabwe’s momentum.
Captain Esha Oza led from the front with the ball as well, taking 2/56 from her 10 overs, including the prized scalp of opposition captain Nkomo. Michelle Botha chipped in with 1/39, while Indhuja Nandakumar and Heena Hotchandani kept things tight despite going wicketless.
For Zimbabwe, despite the loss, the bowling unit had shown promise earlier. Francisca Chipare was the most economical with 1/49 from nine overs, while Lindokuhle Mabhero (1/45) and Loryn Phiri (1/42) also picked up wickets. However, the 31 wides conceded proved extremely costly in a chase where every run mattered.
Player Reactions
While official post-match quotes weren’t immediately available, Esha Oza’s all-round performance spoke volumes about UAE’s intent to finish the series on a high. Her ability to anchor the innings with 82 runs and then contribute 2/56 with the ball demonstrated the leadership qualities that make her invaluable to this UAE squad.
For Zimbabwe, Josephine Nkomo’s 76 showed tremendous fighting spirit, but the early wicket and middle-order collapse proved too much to overcome. The series provided valuable exposure for debutants Siya Gokhale and Suraksha Kotte, who gained their first taste of international cricket at this level.
Match Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Date | October 2, 2025 |
| Toss | Zimbabwe Women (elected to field) |
| Series | UAE Women tour of Zimbabwe 2025/26 |
| Result | UAE Women won by 45 runs |
| Series Result | 2-2 (drawn) |
| Player of the Match | Esha Oza (UAE) – 82 runs & 2/56 |
| WODI Debuts | Siya Gokhale, Suraksha Kotte (UAE) |
| Umpires | Christopher Phiri, Nkosehle Ndiweni |
| Reserve Umpire | Collin Tlou |
| Match Referee | Julia Chibhabha |
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The UAE Women vs ZIM Women 4th ODI result ensures both teams head home with plenty of positives from a competitive series. For UAE, this tour represents continued progress in women’s cricket, with the 165-run opening partnership and disciplined bowling providing encouraging signs for future assignments.
Oza’s emergence as a complete all-rounder gives UAE a genuine match-winner, while the performances of Satish, Dharnidharka, and debutant Kotte suggest a bright future for the program.
Zimbabwe will reflect on missed opportunities, particularly the early collapse in this final match that put them on the back foot from the start. However, Nkomo’s consistent performances throughout the series and the 108-run partnership with Phiri offer hope for upcoming fixtures.
Both teams will now turn their attention to their respective domestic cricket calendars before reconvening for international commitments later in the 2025/26 season.
Conclusion
The UAE Women vs ZIM Women 4th ODI result perfectly encapsulated the competitive spirit of this series. UAE’s comprehensive 45-run victory at Queens Sports Club ensured they finished their Zimbabwe tour on a high note, with the 2-2 series draw reflecting the evenly-matched nature of these encounters. Esha Oza’s all-round masterclass and the team’s collective effort proved the difference on the day. As both nations continue developing their women’s cricket programs, contests like these provide invaluable experience and exposure for the next generation of stars.