Zimbabwe Women vs United Arab Emirates Women – ODI Match Preview (26 September 2025)

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Time (IST): 12:45 PM
Format: Women's ODI
Series: United Arab Emirates Women in Zimbabwe ODI Series

As the United Arab Emirates Women take on Zimbabwe Women in the ODI series, the stage is set for an intriguing clash between two teams vying for progression in the evolving landscape of women's cricket. This match, scheduled for 26 September 2025 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, will be a key contest in the UAE Women's tour of Zimbabwe.

Team Form and Strengths

Zimbabwe Women come into the match with a home advantage, which often plays a significant role in their performance. The squad has shown improvement in recent ODIs, particularly in their batting department, with experienced players like Mary-Anne Musonda and Rusike Chakabva leading the charge. The home conditions, which favor a balanced game, could be to their advantage as they look to assert dominance in the series.

United Arab Emirates Women, on the other hand, have been steadily growing in stature and have shown commendable performances in various ICC events. Their disciplined bowling attack, led by Ayesha Shroff and Zara Dampier, has often been the cornerstone of their success. The UAE Women will be looking to use their experience in overseas conditions to counter the home advantage of Zimbabwe.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Queens Sports Club is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball, with some assistance for spinners in the middle overs. The Bulawayo weather is generally conducive for cricket, with clear skies and moderate temperatures expected on match day. Both teams will need to adapt their strategies to the conditions and make smart decisions during the game.

Key Players to Watch

• Mary-Anne Musonda (Zimbabwe Women): A seasoned all-rounder, Musonda’s ability to anchor the innings and contribute with the ball makes her a vital player for Zimbabwe.
• Rusike Chakabva (Zimbabwe Women): A rising star in the team, Chakabva has the potential to score quick runs and change the game’s momentum.
• Ayesha Shroff (UAE Women): A reliable wicket-taker and a key figure in the UAE setup, Shroff’s economy and variations could be crucial for the visitors.
• Zara Dampier (UAE Women): A left-arm spinner with a knack for picking up wickets, Dampier will be pivotal in the middle overs.

Match Prediction

The match is expected to be a tight contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Zimbabwe Women will be buoyed by home support and the chance to gain confidence against a competitive UAE side. However, UAE Women's experience in international cricket and their well-rounded squad could give them the edge on the day. A close game with a marginal advantage to the UAE Women looks likely.

Final Prediction: United Arab Emirates Women to win by 3-4 wickets.
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