INJURY-hit Zimbabwe Senior Women’s cricket side has made some changes with Pelagia Mujaji and Nyasha Gwanzura coming in for Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Christabel Chatonzwa.
The changes have happened on the eve of their final group match against Rwanda Women at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Africa in Botswana. Rwanda are coached by former Zimbabwe assistant coach Leonard Nhamburo who requires a victory to storm into the semifinals.
Zimbabwe has qualified for the semifinals, but the injuries are a major setback as the Adam Chifo coached side try to win two knock-out games and book a ticket to the T20I Global Qualifiers.
Mugeri-Tiripano suffered a multiple-fracture injury to her left foot, while Chatonzwa picked up a right calf strain.
The injuries not only throw things in jeopardy to the Lady Chevron’s quest to become African Champions but also to the team’s preparations for the New Zealand World Cup Global Qualifiers being hosted by Zimbabwe in November.
With four wins in four games after beating Tanzania by six wickets, followed by a 10-wicket victory over Eswatini, an 82-run win over Botswana and a triumph over Mozambique by 171 runs, Zimbabwe lead Group A with eight points.
Rwanda are third on the log with six points, the same number of points as second-placed Tanzania but Nhamburo’s charges have a low run rate.
Zimbabwe Squad:
Mary-Anne Musonda (captain), Modester Mupachikwa, Josephine Nkomo, Ashley Ndiraya, Loryn Phiri, Nomvelo Sibanda, Precious Marange, Chiedza Dhururu, Tasmeen Granger, Audrey Mazvishaya, Esther Mbofana, Loreen Tshuma, Pelagia Mujaji, Nyasha Gwanzura
