Taylor’s half-century, stingy bowling help Windies sweep Zimbabwe

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC):

West Indies veteran Stafanie Taylor etched her name into the history books yesterday, becoming only the fourth woman to complete the double of 3,000 T20I runs and 100 wickets, as the regional women crushed Zimbabwe by eight wickets to complete a clean 3-0 series sweep.

Taylor’s historic moment came with the ball, but her all-round brilliance defined the match at Takashinga Sports Club.

After Zimbabwe elected to bat, the hosts appeared on course for a competitive total before Taylor intervened.

The innings was anchored by opener Kelis Ndhlovu, who scored her fifth T20I half-century. Ndhlovu struck a fluent 63 off 48 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes.

She helped Zimbabwe race to 40 for one in the power play, but the introduction of Taylor immediately changed the complexion of the game.

Taylor struck with her second delivery, having Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano stumped by Mandy Mangru for seven to claim her 100th T20I wicket.

She later returned to trap Chiedza Dhururu lbw for nine and finished with impressive figures of two for eight from her four overs.

Supported by Jahzara Claxton (2-35), the West Indies bowlers kept the hosts in check despite a late surge. A 40-run stand off 27 balls between Ndhlovu and Christine Mutasa helped Zimbabwe reach 142 for six after they collected 41 runs from the final four overs.

In reply, Claxton led the charge with a composed 38 off 37 balls at the top of the order. However, it was her 71-run partnership with Taylor for the second wicket that effectively ended the contest.

Opener Realeanna Grimmond chipped in with 17, but Taylor took control of the chase. The major difference between the teams came in the middle overs, from seven to 16.

While Zimbabwe managed only 61 for three during that period, West Indies plundered 85 runs for the loss of just Claxton, who was bowled by Beloved Biza.

Taylor finished unbeaten on 64 from just 39 balls, an innings decorated with 11 boundaries. She and Janillea Glasgow (15 not out) then shared an unbroken 53-run stand for the third wicket as West Indies reached their target with 18 balls to spare.