Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
VETERAN batter, Sharne Mayers has earned a recall to the national team, after she was named in the Lady Chevrons’ 15-strong squad for the five-match One Day International (ODI) series against the United States of America (USA), starting tomorrow.
Mayers, 32, missed the tri-series against Namibia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Windhoek, Namibia, in September.
Also returning to the fold are left-arm fast bowler Nomvelo Sibanda and experienced player Christabel Chatonzwa.
However, captain Mary-Anne Musonda (injury) and teenage sensation Kelis Ndhlovu (sitting Ordinary Level exams) are notable absentees.
Fifteen-year-old Beloved Biza, standout player at the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup Africa Qualifier, earned another senior call-up alongside fellow Zimbabwe Under-19 team-mates Runyararo Pasipanodya and Olinder Chare.
Tendai Makusha received her maiden call-up.
The ODIs between Zimbabwe Women and USA Women are scheduled for October 17, 20, 23, 26 and 28 at Harare Sports Club.
The USA team touched down at Robert Mugabe International Airport on Monday evening.
The tour will mark US’s second visit to Zimbabwe with the first during the 2021 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier which, however, ended prematurely due to Covid-19.
The Lady Chevrons and the US have faced each other twice in 50-over cricket with both teams winning once. However, the two games were not considered as international matches at that time as the US were still yet to gain ODI status.
It was in 2011 that the US pulled off a memorable victory against Zimbabwe in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Bangladesh.
Ten years later, the Lady Chevrons would get their revenge in a World Cup Qualifier match in Zimbabwe.
The qualification match is the last game to have been played between the two nations to date.
ZIMBABWE
Sharne Mayers, Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Christabel Chatonzwa, Josephine Nkomo, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Audrey Mazvishaya, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Nomvelo Sibanda, Olinder Chare, Ashley Ndiraya, Adel Zimunu, Loryn Phiri, Tendai Makusha. —@brandon_malvin
Online Reporter