ZIMBABWE Cricket has opted to go with the youth for the Capricorn Eagles Women’s Tri-Series in Namibia as a strategic move to build on the preparations for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifier.
The Tri-Series features hosts Namibia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 6-14.
Four of these young stars – Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Kudzai Chigora, and Christina Mutasa – have already represented the senior team, while the others, including Runyararo Pasipanodya, Passionate Munorwei, Chipo Moyo, and Lorraine Pemhiwa, will be making their debuts.
Tawananyasha Marumani, based in the United Kingdom, is another first-timer in the senior side, having previously represented Zimbabwe Women at the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup 2023.
Convener of selectors Julia Chibhabha explained the rationale behind the selection.
“Selection was based on two factors: continuing to build on preparations for the Under-19s and mentorship. It was ideally to equip the Under-19 players for the qualifier and the World Cup,” said the former Lady Chevrons captain.
The Zimbabwe Women’s team will also feature experienced players such as Josephine Nkomo, Chiyedza Dhururu, Modester Mupachikwa, and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, who will serve as mentors to the young squad.
“The six senior players were deliberately chosen to mentor on batting, bowling, general mannerisms and confidence building,” Chibhabha added.
“A player like Mugeri-Tiripano has a huge presence on the field and we are hoping the youngsters will feed off her and learn a lot.”
Dhururu will captain the side, having previously led the team at the Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament in Rwanda earlier this year, where the Zimbabwe A Women’s team won silver.
The return of Loryn Phiri, who was named in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year for 2021 but has not been selected for the senior team in the past year, is also noteworthy.
“She has been on the fringes for a while, but was part of the Kwibuka squad and did well. She is being rewarded for great performances, working hard with both bat and ball,” Chibhabha explained.
The Capricorn Eagles Women’s Tri-Series promises an exciting blend of youth and experience as Zimbabwe Women look to make an impact against their Namibian and Emirati counterparts.
ZIMBABWE WOMEN SQUAD FOR CAPRICORN EAGLES WOMEN’S TRI-SERIES:
Chiyedza Dhururu (captain), Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Loryn Phiri, Christina Mutasa, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Passionate Munorwei, Tawananyasha Marumani, Kudzai Chigora, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Chipo Moyo, Lorraine Pemhiwa.
