ZIMBABWE Senior Women’s team could be without three key players when they take to the field against Rwanda in their final Group A encounter at the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier in Botswana.
Opener Modester Mupachikwa retired hurt after pulling a hamstring during Monday’s match against Mozambique, and she is a major doubt.
Top-order batter Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano was stretchered off the field after twisting her ankle against Mozambique. At the same time, Christabel Chatonzwa pulled her calf and was ruled out for five weeks.
The Lady Chevrons square off against Rwanda that is now being coached by former national team assistant Leonard Nhamburo.
Zimbabwe leads the six-team Group A standings with eight points from four matches. Tanzania are in second place with six points with three wins from three matches, while Rwanda have a game in hand in third place with four points.
“It’s quite a huge scare, and most likely all are going to miss the next match. Modester is slowly getting there. We will stand guided by the physio on the way forward,” Chifo told EnterSportNews.
“Quite a predicament, hoping and praying for at least one of them to give us 50 per cent chances of recovery, and we make plans with the rest of the girls, but it’s quite disturbing.”
Besides the semi-final and final in mind and the right to represent Africa at the ICC Global Qualifiers, the team is also looking to garner ranking points by winning every match.
“Every match is important for us in this tournament. We need to win all matches not only for qualification but for ranking points,” he said.
“The performance has been clinical, and according to plan so far, I couldn’t have asked for more from the ladies.”
