By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Former Zimbabwe women’s cricket fast bowler Sarah Dambanevana is set to make history this week as he will be officiating at the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, which kicks off in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 3rd.
Dambanevana’s participation marks a significant milestone in her career, as she will be part of a team consisting of 10 umpires and three match referees appointed by the ICC.
Her rise in cricket officiating has been rapid and impressive. Since coming into the spotlight in 2022, Dambanevana has quickly advanced through the ranks, becoming the first woman to officiate in a domestic cricket final during the Fifty50 Challenge that same year.
As she prepares for the World Cup, Dambanevana is no stranger to high-pressure situations. Last year, she made history by officiating in the final of the inaugural ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa, where she became the first Zimbabwean to stand in a World Cup final.
Dambanevana’s cricket journey began in 2007 when she started playing for the Midlands women’s team, now known as Rhinos Women, during her high school years. She made her national team debut in 2009 while gearing up for the regional ICC Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Kenya the following year.
Her achievements serve as an inspiration to many aspiring female umpires in Zimbabwe, proving that with talent and determination, greatness in sports is attainable.
As Dambanevana steps onto the international stage, she not only represents her country but also paves the way for future generations of women in cricket and sports in general.