ORLEANDERS sprung a surprise at the Zimbabwe Cricket domestic women’s T20 after closing the tournament at the summit of the points table.

From four games that each team played, Orleanders collected 15 points amassed from three wins while losing the other.

National team players who formed the Orleanders backbone are Precious Marange, Nonhlahla Nyathi, Loreen Tshuma, Nomatter Mutasa and Nyasha Gwanzura.

On second position were the Pertunias with 10 points having won two while fancied Flame Lilies disappointed as they anchored the bottom with five points after claiming just one win.

The first edition of the T20 tournament has been hailed as it reviving the women’s domestic game while giving competition and opportunities to other upcoming players.

Zimbabwe women’s assistant coach, Leonard ‘Tichman’ Nhamburo, told H-Metro that the tournament enabled them to have an eye on other players.

“It (the tournament) was a success indeed, it was a good programme. We had to start something and it went well. We now have a bigger pool of players to select from.

“Games like these are helpful in terms of improving game awareness and also competition amongst players and also a good platform in terms of selection,” he said.

According to ZC Women’s coordinator, Caroline Nyamande, the T20 tournaments will be run on a monthly basis while plans are aloof to eventually come up with a domestic league for the ladies.

Meanwhile, attention will now shift to preparations for the upcoming Quadrangular One Day Series where Zimbabwe will clash with hosts South Africa, India and Ireland in Potchefstroom from May 7.