Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE women captain Nomvelo Sibanda says they have adapted well to weather conditions ahead of today’s opening match of the three-match ODI series against hosts Pakistan Women at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
She was speaking at a press conference ahead of the series which Pakistan are using as part of their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup set for England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.
For Zimbabwe, this will be a crucial series as they seek to build a strong team and redeem themselves from the humiliation suffered in the hands of New Zealand.
“The weather is a bit different from Zimbabwe. We had about three practice sessions, and we have adjusted well,” said Nomvelo. “And we are good to go.”
This exciting white-ball series will begin with three ODIs, all taking place at the National Bank Stadium on May 3, 6, and 9.
After the ODIs, the two teams will face off in a three-match T20I series, with all games scheduled for May 12, 14, and 15 at the same venue.
Asked about players they could rely on to stop Pakistan, the Lady Chevrons captain said they will rely more on team work to get a result.
“Obviously we stick together as a team. We also try to go through every phase as a team,” she said. “I wouldn’t say there is a particular player, we would just like to play as a team.”
This is a series that will gauge how much ground the Lady Chevrons have covered in the past months.
They go into battle against Pakistan who are also expected to compete in a T20I tri-nation series in Ireland, featuring the hosts and the West Indies, before they can turn their attention to the World Cup.
More of such challenges for Nomvelo and company could help them cover the gap between them and other elite teams.
Meanwhile, former Zimbabwe Test cricketer Tinotenda Mawoyo, along with former Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt will be part of the commentary team for the match.
According to possible11.com, Ali Younis will also be part of the panel, alongside former Pakistan women’s internationals Aimen Anwar and Kainat Imtiaz.
Zimbabwe squad: Nomvelo Sibanda (c), Beloved Biza, Olinder Chare, Kudzai Chigora, Melinda Kachingwe, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Precious Marange, Michelle Mavunga, Natasha Mtomba, Christina Mutasa, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Kelis Ndhlovu, Kelly Ndiraya, Runyararo Pasipanodya and Adel Zimunu.
Pakistan ODI squad: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia Rubab.
