The clash between Zimbabwe Women vs UAE Women in the 4th match of their 2025 ODI series is shaping up to be a decisive and intriguing contest.
After three matches played in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe holds the upper hand in the series. But the UAE, though newer to full ODI status, will be keen to fight back and salvage pride.
This article offers a complete preview: match details, team form, head-to-head, tactical insights, predicted XI, and a forecast of what might unfold.
Also read- Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 1st T20I 2025: Preview, Analysis, Prediction
Zimbabwe Women vs UAE Women: Match Details
- Date: 2 October 2025 (Thursday)
- Time: 12:45 PM IST (07:15 UTC)
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Series: 4-match ODI series between Zimbabwe Women and UAE Women
This 4th match will be the final ODI in the series, offering the UAE one last chance to push for a comeback. Zimbabwe, with the series advantage, will aim to wrap up in style.
Zimbabwe Women vs UAE Women: Context & History
UAE’s ODI Status & Tour Background
The UAE women’s team has only recently acquired full ODI status. Their tour of Zimbabwe in 2025 marks their first major ODI series post-recognition.
All four matches are being played at the same ground in Bulawayo, which gives both sides familiarity with the conditions.
Zimbabwe captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano leads a side that has more experience in international women’s cricket, particularly in African regional events.
Previous Matches in the Series
- The first ODI was won by the UAE, giving them an early advantage.
- However, Zimbabwe bounced back in ODIs 2 and 3. In the 3rd ODI, Zimbabwe defended 203/7 by bundling out UAE for 170/8, sealing a 33-run win.
- Key performances included Lindokuhle Mabhero’s bowling and supporting batting contributions from Josephine Nkomo and Lorraine Phiri.
So far, Zimbabwe has shown more consistency. The pitch has behaved somewhat predictably—batting first has been a viable option, though runs do require caution as the match progresses.
Given the history, the Uthe AE will aim to prevent a whitewash; Zimbabwe will try to seal the series emphatically.
Team Analysis & Strengths
Zimbabwe Women
Batting
Zimbabwe’s batting so far has been a balanced mix of aggressive and steady innings. Josephine Nkomo has provided backbone, while Lorraine Phiri’s middle-order stability has also been useful.
The top order has had flashes of starts but sometimes lacked conversion; that could be a weak point against tighter bowling.
Bowling / All-rounders
Lindokuhle Mabhero has emerged as a player to watch, picking up wickets under pressure in crucial stages.
With support from the likes of Audrey Mazvishaya and others, Zimbabwe has a bowling lineup capable of asserting control, especially on home conditions.
Challenges
- If the top order collapses early, they might struggle to recover.
- Spin or slowness of the wicket could trouble their batters if conditions deteriorate late in the innings.
UAE Women
Batting
Esha Oza is the standout batter for the UAE, serving as captain and a reliable run-scorer. In matches past, the UAE has sometimes faltered when middle-order pressure mounted.
Their ability to bat deep and adapt to Zimbabwe conditions is unproven in ODIs.
Bowling
As a newer ODI side, the UAE’s bowling depth is still developing. They will rely on their key bowlers to make breakthroughs early and contain Zimbabwe’s scoring. A disciplined line and length approach will be critical.
Challenges
- Lack of match experience in the longer format against more seasoned teams.
- Handling pressure in chasing or defending moderate totals.
- Preventing batting collapses against disciplined bowling.
Predicted XI
Zimbabwe Women
- Modester Mupachikwa (wk)
- Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (c)
- Josephine Nkomo
- Lorraine Phiri
- Audrey Mazvishaya
- Loryn Phiri
- Adelle Zimunu
- Chiedza Dhururu
- Lindokuhle Mabhero
- Tendai Makusha
- Kelis Ndhlovu
UAE Women
- Theertha Satish (wk)
- Esha Oza (c)
- Heena Hotchandani
- Lavanya Keny
- Vaishnave Mahesh
- Indhuja Nandakumar
- Rinitha Rajith
- Michelle Botha
- Athige Silva
- Samaira Dharnidharka
- Al Maseera Jahangir
Zimbabwe Women vs UAE Women: Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics
- Toss and batting first approach: Given past games, winning the toss might prompt one team to bat first to set a total. The pitch may slow down later, so putting runs on the board early is advantageous.
- Powerplay usage: Both teams must maximize runs in the first 10 overs; wickets lost early will shift momentum.
- Middle overs control: Zimbabwe’s bowlers may try to slow the scoring and build pressure. UAE must resist losing too many wickets in that phase.
- Death overs execution: Effective death bowling and smart batting in the final 10 overs could decide the result.
- Partnerships & rotations: The UAE should aim for steady partnerships rather than aggressive hitting early, given the conditions.
Zimbabwe Women vs UAE Women: Prediction & Outlook
According to performance so far, Zimbabwe Women are the favorites, with around a 67% chance to win, while the UAE’s chances are near 33%.
Given their home advantage, deeper experience, and momentum after taking the lead in the series, Zimbabwe look better placed to win the 4th match and thus clinch the series 3-1.
That said, the UAE might surprise if they bat with discipline and exploit any slackness in Zimbabwe’s bowling. But a total turnaround seems unlikely to be achieved in one game.
Predicted result: Zimbabwe Women win by 5–7 wickets (if chasing) or by around 30–40 runs (if defending).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Has the UAE women’s team played many ODIs before this series?
No, this series marks the beginning of their involvement after they were granted ODI status recently.
Which players have been in good form this series?
For Zimbabwe, Lindokuhle Mabhero and Josephine Nkomo have impressed. For the UAE, Esha Oza is a key batter to watch.
What kind of pitch is at Queens Sports Club?
It tends to be a balanced wicket: good for batting early, but it slows later. Runs are possible but require timing and patience.
If the UAE wins the 4th ODI, what does that imply?
A UAE win would bring the series to 2-2, handing Zimbabwe their first drawn result in the series. It would also boost confidence for the UAE in their ODI journey.
Who is more likely to win the toss and bat first?
Given the pitch behavior and past matches, the captain winning the toss might choose to bat first to put pressure on the opponent.