The Indonesian women’s U-19 cricket team created history when they beat Zimbabwe in a play-off between teams that placed fourth in their groups in the current Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup. The triumph is significant since it is Indonesia’s first World Cup victory.
Although they did not advance to the Super Six, this victory will undoubtedly bolster their confidence for future matches. Indonesia completed their World Cup campaign on a bright note thanks to the victory.
Captain Ni Luh Dewi proved to be an asset to the team throughout the match. Leading from the front, the Indonesian captain took five wickets while conceding just 18 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 4.5.
After bowling first, Indonesia limited Zimbabwe to 86 runs for the loss of eight wickets, with Ni Luh Dewi removing Natasha Mtomba on the very first delivery of the match, and then dismissing Kay Ndiraya only one ball later.
Ni Ariani took two wickets and Desi Wulandari took one, complementing their skipper’s brilliant performance with the ball. Zimbabwe’s top scorers were Tawananyasha Marumani and Danielle Meikle, who each scored 20 runs.
In response, Indonesia lost regular wickets beginning with the second ball of the innings, but Ni Luh Dewi’s 14 runs off 13 balls and a 31-run partnership between Thersiana Weo and Gusti Ulansari brought Indonesia closer to a historic victory.
Zimbabwe kept hunting as spinner Chipo Moyo grabbed three wickets and was ably supported by Kelis Ndhlovu, who also claimed three wickets while conceding just eight runs.
Numbers eight and nine got Indonesia over the line, as Ni Indriyani and Ni Suarniasih finished undefeated on nine and twelve runs, respectively. Indonesia eventually scored 87 runs for the cost of seven wickets, etching their names in history.
