Boost for Young Women’s cricket

THE Zimbabwe senior national women’s cricket team has received a timely boost with three of their experienced players joining the team ahead of their start of the 2024 All-Africa Games in Ghana on Friday.

The Lady Chevrons – in their 15 member squad – included three of their most experienced players who had been out of the team for various reasons.

The team was announced on Monday evening.

The three experienced campaigners who have returned to the Lady Chevrons fold are vice-captain and all rounder Josephine Nkomo, wicket-keeper Modester Mupachikwa and batter Nyasha Gwanzura. The trio brings in a wealth of experience and is a good boost to the team, which will be hoping to find their feet following a string of poor results.

Nkomo and Mupachikwa who were both in Australia over the past couple of months, missed both the home series against Ireland in January and the 10 day training camp, which was held in India recently. The Lady Chevrons returned from India on Saturday, where they also played practice matches against the Victoria Pearls of Uganda.

Gwanzura was part of the team that played against Ireland in January but missed the India training camp. Under the tutelage of Walter Chawaguta, Zimbabwe named a strong team with seasoned players. A notable absentee from the team is Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, who suffered an injury during their series against Ireland.

The Lady Chevrons are in Group B of the 13th edition of the African Games alongside Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. They will open their tournament against Rwanda tomorrow before going on to face Uganda on Friday. Their last group game will be against Kenya on Sunday March 10.

Group A has South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania and Nigeria. The All-Africa Games will play a pivotal role in gauging Zimbabwe’s readiness for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April. Mary-Anne Musonda (captain), Sharne Mayers, Josephine Nkomo, Precious Marange, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhena, Modester Mupachikwa, Kudzai Chigora, Chiyedza Dhururu, Pellagia Mujaji, Kelis Ndhlovu

TECHNICAL TEAM:

Caroline Chamunorwa (Manager), Walter Chawaguta (Head Coach), Traver Garwe (Bowling Coach), Keith Kulinga (Analyst), Farai Mabasa (Physiotherapist).–@brandon_malvin