Six points the target for WI Women

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC):

West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews says the Caribbean side is targeting a full six points from its three-match ICC Women’s Championship One-Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe, but has warned against underestimating the hosts.

The series, which forms part of the qualification pathway for the next Women’s Cricket World Cup, bowls off on Thursday at Harare Sports Club at 3:30 a.m. Eastern Caribbean time.

Speaking ahead of the opener, Matthews said the team was eager to return to Zimbabwe.

“The first opportunity that we do get to play against Zimbabwe in a series like this, so it’s a lot to look forward to,” Matthews said.

“Last time we were in Zimbabwe for the qualifiers, we were in and out pretty quickly. So I think all the girls are happy to be back, looking forward to a series.”

Threat

Matthews acknowledged the threat posed by Zimbabwe, which is in its first year of the Championship cycle, and said the West Indies would need to be at their best to secure the crucial points on offer.

“Zimbabwe is obviously a growing team. I know they’re certainly going to be looking to come out hard and play some really good cricket, and they’re certainly a side that we can’t underestimate, even though they’re pretty new,” she said.

“We’re still going to need to be playing really well. But I think, as a group, we’re all pretty excited to be here. Conditions are pretty similar to back home with the heat, so yeah, we’re looking forward to it.”

The West Indies skipper also highlighted the importance of the series in the context of the Championship standings, with automatic qualification for the next World Cup the ultimate objective.

“The games here are going to be very important. I think when you look at where we are in the table, obviously wanting automatic qualification for that next World Cup. So we must try to come down here and be able to take all six points,” Matthews stated.

“That’s certainly the goal for us. It’ll put us in a much better place on the table. So three really important games, and as I said, we certainly can’t underestimate Zimbabwe.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo is embracing the historic significance of the series, which marks the country’s first home tour under the Future Tours Programme (FTP).

“I’m super excited. What makes it more special is that it’s on home turf, and it’s our first home FTP tour,” Nkomo said.

“The goal is just to compete, just go out there, and just be positive. At the end of the day, cricket is a game of bat and ball, and not names or anything like that.”