ZIMBABWE Women’s team will be without vice-captain, Josephine Nkomo and wicketkeeper batter, Modester Mupachikwa when they host Ireland Women at Harare Sports Club.
The duo are currently playing club cricket in Australia and will not be available for selection.
Mupachikwa was the batter of the tournament at the conclusion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Uganda in December.
The diminutive athlete who plies her trade with Eagles Women in domestic cricket averaged 43.67 runs amassing 131 runs in five games.
Zimbabwe ran riot at the Qualifiers played in Entebbe lifting the trophy without losing any match.
All-rounder, Precious Marange was named bowler and player of the tournament. The veteran spinner picked up 13 wickets including a hat-trick in the final against Uganda for her five wicket haul. She was shortlisted for the ICC Women’s T20I player for the moth of December as her star continues to shine.
The Lady Chevrons are using the limited overs home series against Ireland as part of their preparations for the forthcoming Global Qualifiers scheduled for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The series bowls off on Thursday with the first of the three One Day Internationals at Harare Sports Club. The second and third ODIs are scheduled for January 21 and 23 paving way for the five match T20I series.
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The T20Is are penciled for January 26, 28 and 30 and February 2 and 2.
Lady Chevrons captain, Mary-Anne Musonda is set to lead her charges as usual. The absence of Nkomo and Mupachikwa sees the elevation of youngsters, Beloved Biza (15) and Adel Zimunu.
Meanwhile ZC yesterday paid tribute to departing coach Gary Brent after the former national team bowler decided not to renew his contract and move on.
This week Brent told IndependentSport that he was leaving his role.
"Gary Brent has left his position as Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Women’s team after serving a three-month notice period," a ZC statement yesterday said.
"He formally resigned in October last year, citing his desire to pursue other opportunities and spend more time with his family."
The 47 year old had been at the helm of the national women’s side since March 2022.
His assistant, Trevor Garwe, will temporarily take charge of the team while ZC is finalising the appointment of Brent’s successor.
During his tenure, Zimbabwe Women came close to making it to the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup but agonisingly fell just short in the decisive qualifying match against Ireland Women in 2022 and he leaves soon after leading the side to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2024 to be staged in the United Arab Emirates.
Commenting on Brent’s departure, ZC Managing Director Mr Givemore Makoni said: “Gary is leaving on a high, with our women’s team having conquered Africa to book their place at the T20 World Cup global qualifier tournament and we are grateful for his dedication and hard work throughout his time with us.
“We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Zimbabwe women squad for Ireland Women Series
Mary-Anne Musonda (captain), Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Adel Zimunu, Ashley Ndiraya, Nyasha Gwanzura, Loreen Tshuma, Chiyedza Dhururu (wicketkeeper), Precious Marange, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Pellagia Mujaji.
