Sundaymail Editor
Sports Reporter
BOUYED by their qualification to the last round of the T20 World Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe women’s cricket team will be hoping to keep the momentum when they make their debut in the One-Day Internationals.
The Lady Chevrons host Ireland at Harare Sports Club this week in four ODI matches that will run from October 5 to October 11.
It will be a historic moment for the team, especially after being given ODI status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in April.
The news of finally playing the longer version of limited overs has excited the Lady Chevrons camp.
Mary-Anne Musonda, the captain, described their forthcoming debut as a momentous occasion for every member of the team.
“It’s good for us as a nation to be finally playing the longer versions of the limited overs, ODIs, officially. Playing Ireland on Tuesday means a lot to us and it is a huge step forward for Zimbabwe women’s cricket. We are all excited to be a part of the history books for the Lady Chevrons,” said Musonda.
She also said the new status does not come easy.
“We are aware of the demands that come along with the status. The competition gets stiffer but we are ready for the challenge.”
The Lady Chevrons coach, Adam Chifo, describes playing in the ODIs as an honour for the ladies and the beginning of a new era for local women’s cricket.
“It’s an honour to be playing ODI cricket and the ladies are so excited about this new chapter in their careers.
“With the ODI status, women’s cricket in Zimbabwe will never be the same, a lot of doors have been opened and the sky is the limit for our ladies,” said Chifo.
A week after securing a place in the 2023 T20 World Cup final qualifiers, having won the Africa region of the qualification race held in Botswana last month, the Lady Chevrons have also set their sights on the ICC Women’s World Cup qualifiers, which they will host next month.
The coach is confident the team would maximise on the ODIs against Ireland
and Bangladesh to fine-tune for the qualifiers.
“Such big tournaments always bring with them a lot of pressure, but we have learnt that the best way to handle pressure is to prepare well and be confident in our skills, but we will make use of the home advantage.
“Our victory in Botswana has given the ladies a lot of confidence going forward and we hope to ride on that going into the ODI qualifiers.”
Online Reporter