adminBlessing Malinganiza
ALL-ROUNDER, Ashley Ndiraya returns to the Zimbabwe Women’s cricket team, for the first time since November 2021, ahead of the team’s tour of Thailand at the weekend.
Her last involvement was in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers against Pakistan in Harare scoring 17 in the locals’ 114-run drubbing at the hands of the Asians.
The top order batter was out on maternity leave but has since made her progression back into the Women’s domestic game turning out for the Midlands side Rhinos.
Ndiraya, who is a reliable fielder and leg-spinner, is a magnificent player of spin.
However, while her return is a welcome one, the team gets to miss the services of Eagles pacer, Esther Mbofana.
The 30-year-old has scored two half centuries in her recent matches, 60 against Mountaineers and 54 versus Eagles Women as well as getting double digit figures in her other innings, 36, 29 and 13.
Lady Chevrons head cash, Gary Brent backed Ndiraya to do well in Thailand given her strong domestic show recently.
“We have got Ashley Ndiraya who has now made her return. Unfortunately, Esther Mbofana has had to step down,” Brent told H-Metro yesterday. “She has some family issues, she is pregnant which is great, great news for her.”So, Ashley comes in as a batter. “She plays spin well, she’s had a superb tournament (domestic). She’s in great form, so she will look to do well in Thailand, I think.”
Apart from Mbofana, the team have a clean bill of health.
“We seem to be well up on injuries, all the girls are looking fit so we don’t really have many injury concerns.”
Online Reporter