THE history-making Zimbabwe senior women’s cricket team chases another first, to qualify for the global showcase of the shorter version of the game when they embark in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 scheduled for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in just under a fortnight.
Zimbabwe won the African Games when the cricket debuted at the games last month. Coupled with a limited overs home series victory over number 11 ranked Papua New Guinea at Harare Sports Club, the Lady Chevrons, ranked 13th behind Thailand are confidently looking to cap a year that began in earnest for them.
The UAE Global Qualifiers are set to get underway on April 25 and the locals are scheduled to depart for Dubai today. In Dubai, 10 teams will battle for the remaining two slots for the Women’s T20 World Cup set for Bangladesh in September.
These are Group A sides, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, USA Group B comprising Ireland, Netherlands, hosts UAE, Western Pacific Ocean side, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.
The top two sides from each group sail through to the Global semifinals with the two finalists booking a ticket to Bangladesh.
After missing the series against Ireland Women at home due to an ankle injury, experienced batter Ashley Ndiraya made a miraculous recovery as she made it in time for the departure.
Her presence provides cover in the batting department, but the experienced player is also a useful spinner and a magnificent fielder, qualifying her to be an all-rounder.
Skipper Mary-Anne Musonda is expected to lead her charges as usual supported by her deputy Josephine Nkomo and surrounded by a sea of senior players and talented youngsters.
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Among the seasoned campaigners is wicketkeeper batter, Modester Mupachikwa and top order batter Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano. Both have hit top form at the right time.
The other senior players in the squad for the globals include returning batter Sharne Mayers, Pellagia Mujaji, Chiyedza Dhururu, Precious Marange, Loreen Tshuma, Audrey Mazvishaya and Nomvelo Sibanda.
The up-and-coming talent includes seamer Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhera and early bloomer who is just as good as a senior player — Kelis Ndhlovu.
There was, however, heartbreak for Loryn Phiri who was part of the ICC Women’s T20 Team of 2021 and teenage sensation, Kudzai Chigora who failed to make it into the travelling squad.
Zimbabwe Women’s Squad for the Global Qualifier:
Mary-Anne Musonda (captain), Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Sharne Mayers, Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Chiyedza Dhururu, Loreen Tshuma, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Precious Marange, Pellagia Mujaji, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Francisca Chipare, Ashley Ndiraya.
