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Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HAVING made her debut for the senior women’s cricket team during the third Women’s One Day International against the US on Wednesday, teenage cricketer Olinda Chare is all set and ready to play at the highest level.
Despite Zimbabwe losing the match, it was an exciting moment for the 17-year-old, who revealed the debut came as a surprise.
She took two wickets in the match.
“I wasn’t expecting to play!” she exclaimed.
“It was an exciting moment for me, and I am really happy to be given this opportunity,” she said.
Chare was part of the Zimbabwe Under-19 national team which toured South Africa in 2022 before representing the country at the inaugural ICC Under 19 Women Cricket World Cup.
Finally breaking into the senior national team, Chare described the transition to the Lady Chevrons as a great opportunity in the growth of her career.
“It is a great opportunity for me to represent my country at the highest level and to play amongst the senior players,” said Chare.
Born in Shamva, Chare believes achieving one of her dreams is a reward for the hard work she has put in over the years.
“At first I didn’t expect that I would play in the senior team but I think I’ve worked hard to be here and I am happy to be where I am today,” said Chare.
In June, Chare was one of the nine Under-19s who played for Zimbabwe A at the Kibukwa Tournament in Rwanda and won silver. She also participated in the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup Africa Qualifier in September.
But on Wednesday, it was not the kind of start she would have wanted with the bat in the senior team after she was bowled out for just three runs, having faced 15 deliveries.
However, she managed to put a smile on her face at the end as she claimed two wickets on her debut. She posted bowling figures of 9.2-0-41-2. Zimbabwe lost the match by four wickets but they lead the five-match series 2-1. The next match will be played tomorrow and the last on Monday.
Online Reporter