LADY CHEVRONS OFF TO IRELAND

THE Lady Chevrons left for Ireland last night for a five-match white-ball series.

The tour includes three T20 Internationals in Dublin on 20, 22 and 23 July, followed by two One-Day Internationals in Belfast on 26 and 28 July.

Veteran batter Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano will captain a 15-member squad that features a promising mix of experience.

It includes regulars such as wicketkeeper-batters Modester Mupachikwa and Chiedza Dhururu, all-rounder Loreen Tshuma and left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda.

Injecting fresh energy into the squad are rising stars Kelis Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza, alongside several other emerging players eager to shine on the international stage.

The Ireland tour is Zimbabwe Women’s first since their historic visit to the United States in April and forms part of their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division One, set for Namibia from 31 August to 6 September.

Last week, Ireland named their squad.

The major talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of 19-year-old off-spinner Lara McBride, who has earned her maiden senior call-up.

McBride caught the selectors’ attention with her consistent performances in the Evoke Super Series and her impressive stint at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.

National Women’s Selector Ciara O’Brien emphasised the significance of the series in the context of Ireland’s preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled for late August.

“These matches against Zimbabwe – followed by the T20I series against Pakistan – are a crucial lead-in to the all-important T20 World Cup Qualifier,” O’Brien said.

“It’s also encouraging to see fresh talent like Lara McBride earn a deserved opportunity at the highest level.”

Ireland hold a strong record against Zimbabwe in both formats.

In T20Is, they have emerged victorious in all seven previous meetings.

In ODIs, Ireland has won six out of eight encounters, with one match ending in a tie.

The series will serve as an excellent opportunity for Ireland to fine-tune combinations and assess players ahead of key fixtures in the global qualification calendar.

ZIMBABWE WOMEN’S SQUAD FOR IRELAND TOUR:

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (Captain), Beloved Biza, Francesca Chipare, Kudzai Chigora, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Tendai Makusha, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Mitchel Mavunga, Modester Mupachikwa, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Kelis Ndhlovu, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma. —ZimCricket/Cricket Winner