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THE Zimbabwe Under-19 girls cricket team retained their crown at the fifth edition of the annual Four Nations tournament in Botswana. Just like last year they finished the tournament unbeaten this year after winning the three matches they played in the Botswana capital, Gaborone. In their first match, the Zimbabwe Under-19 side beat Namibia by seven wickets.

They then played Mozambique and again displayed dominance with a clinical 279 run victory. After having been put in to bat first, Zimbabwe amassed 310 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 40 overs. Josephine Nkomo top-scored with 82 runs while Loreen Tshuma chipped in with 58 runs.

The Zimbabwe bowling attack carried on with their good form in the tournament as they bundled Mozambique out for a paltry 31 runs in 21.2 overs. Nomvelo Sibanda was the chief destroyer with three wickets for 11 runs in six overs. Zimbabwe then played against Botswana and the host nation could not put up a score of any substance after being put in to bat first, as they were bowled out for 40 runs in 29.3 overs.

Rumbidzai Nhire proved too good for Botswana’s batting line up as she picked up four wickets for just four runs in six overs. In reply, Zimbabwe needed just seven overs to chase down the target as the opening duo of Modester Mupachikwa (19) and Josephine Nkomo (16) ensured a 10-wicket win. Josephine Nkomo was rewarded for her stellar performances as she was named batter of the tournament for her 120 runs, which included a top score of 82.

Nkomo also walked away with the player of the tournament accolade in light of her all-round performance: 120 runs with the bat and three wickets with the ball. Results: Zimbabwe Under-19 versus Mozambique Zimbabwe — 310 for three in 40 overs (Josephine Nkomo 82, Loreen Tshuma 58) Mozambique — 31 all out in 21.2 overs (Nomvelo Sibanda 3 /11) Zimbabwe won by 279 runs. Zimbabwe Under-19 versus Botswana Botswana — 40 all out in 29.3 overs (Rumbidzai Nhire 4 /4) Zimbabwe — 43 without loss in 7 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 19). — The Herald.