Claxton stars as West Indies women beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in T20I opener

HARARE, Zimbabwe. Jahzara Claxton's all-round display led West Indies women to an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe women in the opening T20 international at the Takashinga Sports Club.

Sent in to bat, Zimbabwe were restricted to 97 for nine from their 20 overs. Claxton took two wickets and then made an unbeaten 31 as West Indies reached 98 for two with 43 balls remaining.

West Indies, playing without captain Hayley Matthews, dominated from the start with a strong bowling performance.

Ramharack leads attack

Zimbabwe lost Sharne Mayers for a duck before Karishma Ramharack dismissed Kelis Ndhlovu for 11 and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano for four, leaving the hosts on 37 for three in the 10th over.

Afy Fletcher and Claxton struck to reduce Zimbabwe to 65 for five. Beloved Biza, with 21, and Nyasha Gwanzura, with 10, helped them towards 100, but they finished on 97 for nine.

Ramharack finished with three for 17, while Claxton and Fletcher took two wickets each.

Comfortable chase

In reply, Eboni Brathwaite and Claxton put on 38 for the first wicket before Olinder Chare dismissed Brathwaite for 23 off 14 balls.

Claxton and Realeanna Grimmond added 59 to put West Indies in control. Grimmond fell for 34 with the scores level, and Stafanie Taylor scored the winning single.

Player of the match Claxton remained unbeaten, hitting four fours in her 37-ball innings.