THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has paid tribute to Sarah Dambanevana, the Zimbabwean former fast bowler who became one of Africa’s leading female match officials.
Dambanevana died on Monday after a brief illness, aged 36.
In a statement on Tuesday, ICC chairman Jay Shah said her career had changed what was possible for women in officiating.
“Sarah’s journey from representing Zimbabwe on the field of play to making history as an international umpire was an inspiration, and her achievements helped pave the way for more women to pursue careers in cricket officiating,” Shah said.
“Her contribution to the game will be remembered with great respect, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.”
Her international umpiring career began on African soil. She made her debut in the women’s T20I between Kenya and Botswana in Gaborone on 2 September 2023. That came a year after she became the first female umpire from Zimbabwe to be named on the ICC Development Umpires Panel, in 2022.
Her first ICC appointment had come earlier, at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in January 2023. From there she moved quickly up the ladder and was selected for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates. Few officials from the continent have reached that level.
Over little more than two years at international level, she officiated in 72 senior internationals: 48 women’s T20Is, 14 women’s ODIs and 10 men’s T20Is.
