ZIMBABWE Cricket will reward the gold medal winning national women cricket team with a hefty bonus for their exploits at the ongoing African Games.

The Lady Chevrons emerged inaugural winners of gold medals, with cricket making its debut at the games when they broke South African hearts with a super over win.

Yesterday ZC announced that they would splash a bonus of US$80 000 to be shared by the team as a reward for their history-making exploits.

ZC has rewarded the Zimbabwe Senior Women’s National Cricket Team with US$80 000 for winning gold at the 13th African Games in Ghana, a statement released by the organistion reads.

The money will be shared among the victorious team’s players and technical staff members.   

“On behalf of the Zimbabwe Cricket board, management and staff, I wish to congratulate the entire team on the terrific job you have done to win gold at the 13th African Games in Ghana,” ZC managing director Givemore Makoni said in a congratulatory message.

Zimbabwe won all their matches on their way to recording a thrilling Super Over victory against South Africa Women in the final played in Accra on Wednesday. 

“We followed all your action with immense pride and excitement as you recorded five victories in five matches, including the final against South Africa, to become the first ever cricket champions at the continental multi-sport event,” Makoni said.

“This historic feat is clearly a result of your hard work, passion and dedication and all of you can be proud of the well-deserved accomplishment.

“Congratulations, once again, and thank you for bringing so much joy to our nation.”

Zimbabwe won all their matches until the thrilling draw against their neighbours.  They then reigned supreme in the Super Over to claim honours and trigger jubilation among cricket followers in the country.

Wicketkeeper batter Modester Mupachikwa was the leading run scorer with 31 runs from 49 balls in the 20 over contest.

Zimbabwe ended on 112 for 5 before South Africa rallied back to force a draw and a one over eliminator.

Kelis Ndhlovu was named Player of the Match, as well as, Player of the Tournament, while Mupachikwa emerged with the batter of the tournament following her consistently good knocks.

The team, which is led by new coach Walter Chawaguta, is expected back in the country just before 3pm this afternoon.