Zimbabwe women are set to host Ireland in the first of three One Day Internationals on 18 January, with two further white-ball matches in the week to follow, before five T20 Internationals which kick off at the Harare Sports Club in the capital, Zimbabwe, from 26 January, 2024.
“This tour marks the start of a big 12 months for the senior squad, with a busy home and away schedule planned and the potential of a T20 World Cup towards the back end of the year. As such, the Zimbabwe series is a crucial part of our preparations and it is always a competitive challenge when these sides meet.”
Ciara O’Brien, Selector for Ireland
The two sides will use these games as preparation for the ten-team global qualifiers that will determine the two sides that will occupy the final two spots for the 2024 ICC ’s T20 World Cup.
The other teams joining the Lady Chevrons and the Irish women in the global qualifiers are Netherlands, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, USA, Vanuatu and Uganda.
The visitors have some incredible memories in Zimbabwe, in their last this first visit to the Southern African country in October 2021, they secured a comprehensive 3-1 ODI series win.
During that series Amy Hunter amassed 121* runs on her sixteenth birthday, to become the youngest centurion in ODI cricket.
The two teams last played together in September 2022 in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers. Ireland won that match by 4 runs, and ended the hopes of Zimbabwe featuring in the World Cup in South Africa.
With the start of the new year, the Lady Chevrons have been rocked by confirmation that their coach Gary Brent has stepped down as the mentor of Zimbabwe women’s cricket team, following the expiry of his contract with Zimbabwe Cricket in December.
The set back notwithstanding, it’s all systems go as Captain Mary-Anne Musonda, top order batters Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Ashley Ndiraya, all-rounder Precious Marange, seamers, Audrey Mazvishaya and Nomvelo Sibanda, all taking part in fitness tests ahead of their nation’s hosting the Irish, at the Harare Sports Club.
Spinner, Lorryn Phiri, wicketkeeper, Chiedza Dhururu, Pellagia Mujaji and Beloved Biza, among others also made it for the fitness training.
Fitness expert, Clement Rizhibowa, assistant coaches, Trevor Garwe, Chipo Kanjanda and Malcolm Chikuwa presided over the rigorous fitness drills as preparation was ramped up ahead of Thursday 18 Jan.
Brent’s assistant, Trevor Garwe, will temporarily take charge of the team while Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) is finalising the appointment of Brent’s successor.
Zimbabwe
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
Ireland
Laura Delany (capt) *
Ava Canning
Alana Dalzell
Georgina Dempsey
Sarah Forbes*
Amy Hunter
Arlene Kelly
Gaby Lewis
Louise Little**
Joanna Loughran
Sophie MacMahon**
Jane Maguire*
Cara Murray
Leah Paul
Orla Prendergast
Freya Sargent
Rebecca Stokell
* ODI series only
** T20I series only
Zimbabwe vs Ireland ODI and T20I Series
18 Jan, 1st ODI: Zimbabwe v Ireland
21 Jan, 2nd ODI: Zimbabwe v Ireland
23 Jan, 3rd ODI: Zimbabwe v Ireland
26 Jan, 1st T20I: Zimbabwe v Ireland
28 Jan, 2nd T20I: Zimbabwe v Ireland
30 Jan, 3rd T20I: Zimbabwe v Ireland
1 Feb, 4th T20I: Zimbabwe v Ireland
2 Feb, 5th T20I: Zimbabwe v Ireland
Main Photo Caption: Zimbabwe women are set to host Ireland in the first of three One Day Internationals on 18 January, with two further white-ball matches in the week to follow, before five T20 Internationals which kick off at the Harare Sports Club in the Zimbabwe capital from 26 January, 2024. Photo: Zimbabwe Women on X
Photo Caption: The two sides will use these games as preparation for the ten-team global qualifiers that will determine the two sides that will occupy the final two spots for the 2024 ICC ’s T20 World Cup. Photo: Zimbabwe Women on X
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