Victoria Tri-series: Zimbabwe Takes It All

Zimbabwe Lady Chevrons beat Uganda by 25 runs in the final of the inaugural Victoria tri-series played on Wednesday evening at Lugogo Cricket Oval. Zimbabwe finished the series all-perfect, winning all their four games in the preliminary round while Uganda’s two wins were against Kenya who failed to get off the mark. The tournament was played on round robin format and Uganda always chose to field first as Coach Michael Ndiko claims that his side has a weakness in batting.  In the final, Zimbabwe’s opening batting duo of Modester Mupachikwa and Anesu Mashangwe laid a blue print to their heroics when managed 49 runs before losing a wicket. Uganda’s opening bowlers Evelyn Anyipo and Consy Aweko struggled to pick the wicket early on. Zimbabwe managed to put up 118 runs in 20 overs but later Uganda failed to put up triple figures in their innings when they put up 93 in 20 overs. Rachael Ntono put up a good show for the home side and managed the only six plus 3 fours and later returned 25 runs. All the three countries will meet next month in Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers. Each team presented the other with gifts in form of plagues and autographed jerseys. Zimbabwe later won all the individual awards. Mashangwe Anesu was named player of the series after posting two fielding dismissals, picking 7 wickets and 77 runs with an average of 3.5 runs per over. She also picked best bowler award. Modester Mupachikwa was named best wicket keeper after posting four catches and four stampings. She was also named best batter. Ashley Ndairaya was named best fielder and she had five dismissals. All individual winners got brand new Hisense smart phones from the sponsors, Hisense. Zimbabwe also received a trophy and medals and later all the teams were served to food and beer at the oval with some fans also staying behind.