GARWE HAPPY DESPITE FINAL LOSS

Blessing Malinganiza

ZIMBABWE Under-19 women’s team coach, Trevor Garwe, has described the just-ended Kwibuka Women’s T20I tournament as the perfect platform for his charges as they prepare for next year’s Under-19 T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe fielded an emerging side at the annual Kwibuka Women’s T20I tournament.

Twelve of the players are aged between the 15-19 years. The bulk of the players are eligible to represent Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup next year.

“The Kwibuka tournament actually helped us in our preparations for the Under-19 World Cup as it gave the players a proper test of game situation.

“As a coach, I am really happy with the exposure that was given to the team and really thankful to Zimbabwe Cricket for the opportunity that they gave us in preparation for the World Cup,” said Garwe.

Zimbabwe finished second at the tournament after losing by two runs to Uganda in the final on Saturday.

“In a couple of games we struggled with our fielding and bowling but as the tournament went on we saw some improvements.

“And, the way the opening partnership of Kelis (Ndhlovu) and Beloved (Biza) performed in three innings, with a partnership of over 80, is a good sign going into our preparations for the World Cup.

“I think these are some of the positives that we can take out of the tournament but overall I think, as a team, we need to work on match awareness.”

Meanwhile, Ndhlovu led the list of players that shone at the tournament for Zimbabwe as she named the player of the tournament.

Ndlovhu was also named as the batter of the tournament while Chiedza Dhururu was named the fielder of the tournament.

Ndlovhu was also named in the team of the tournament together with Loryn Phiri and Beloved Biza.