Zimbabwe Women vs United Arab Emirates Women – T20I Match Preview – October 5, 2025

Date: October 5, 2025
Time: 08:15 GMT
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Series: UAE Women’s Tour of Zimbabwe 2025
Format: T20 International
Match: 1st T20I

Match Overview

The eagerly anticipated series between Zimbabwe Women and United Arab Emirates Women gets underway with the first T20 International at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on October 5, 2025. This match marks the start of a historic bilateral T20I series that promises to be competitive and thrilling for cricket fans across the region.

Both teams have a balanced head-to-head record in T20I cricket, with each having claimed three victories in their six previous encounters. This level of parity sets the stage for a closely contested match, with neither side having a clear advantage going into the game.

Team Insights

Zimbabwe Women

Zimbabwe Women have been a consistent presence in women’s cricket and are known for their aggressive batting and strong spin attack. The team has been working hard to elevate their performance and make a mark in international cricket. Their home advantage could play a significant role, as the pitch at the Queens Sports Club is expected to offer good batting conditions, which suits their aggressive style.

With the squad yet to be officially announced, Zimbabwe will be relying on their experienced players to deliver in the high-pressure environment of international cricket. The team’s focus will be on maintaining momentum and building a solid foundation in this series to showcase their potential on the global stage.

United Arab Emirates Women

The UAE Women's team has been making steady progress in recent years, with consistent performances in regional and international tournaments. Their inclusion in regular bilateral tours, such as this one in Zimbabwe, is a testament to their development and growing stature in women’s cricket.

The UAE squad is a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, with a strong bowling attack and versatile all-rounders. Players like Esha Oza and Lavanya Keny are expected to play pivotal roles with both bat and ball. The team will be looking to capitalize on their experience and adapt quickly to the conditions in Bulawayo.

Key Players to Watch

• Zimbabwe Women:

  • Sandra Nsime: The captain and key batter, known for her aggressive stroke play and ability to anchor the innings.
  • Chipo Utete: A reliable spinner and wicket-taker, who could be crucial in the middle overs.

• UAE Women:

  • Esha Oza: A right-handed all-rounder who contributes significantly with both bat and ball.
  • Lavanya Keny: A consistent performer and one of the key batters for the UAE, capable of changing the course of the game with her scoring.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Queens Sports Club is expected to be a batting-friendly surface, offering some assistance to fast bowlers at the start, but settling down as the match progresses. The weather in Bulawayo is generally favorable for cricket, with minimal chances of rain or extreme weather conditions. Teams will likely prefer batting first if they win the toss.

Prediction

Given the balanced record between the two sides and the home advantage for Zimbabwe, the match is expected to be a tight contest. However, the UAE Women have shown great adaptability and resilience in recent matches, and they could pose a real challenge.

Prediction: A close game with the UAE Women edging it narrowly.

Conclusion

The first T20I between Zimbabwe Women and UAE Women is set to be an exciting start to the series, with both teams eager to make a strong statement. The match promises to deliver high-quality cricket, nail-biting moments, and a fair share of drama. Cricket fans can look forward to an engaging encounter as these two teams battle it out at the Queens Sports Club.

Don’t miss the action!
Kick-off: 08:15 GMT, October 5, 2025
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
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