Lady Chevron’s moment in the sun

Brighton Zhawi

The weatherman might be predicting a cloudy Harare day tomorrow, but for the Zimbabwe Cricket Women’s team it will be a moment in the sun.

Zimbabwe Cricket Women’s team are set to play their first ever ODI.

Ireland are the opponents in this four match series slated for October 5, 7, 9 and 11 at Harare Sports Club.

In April this year, the international cricket council awarded Test and ODI status to each and every full-member’s women team.

That decision meant Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Afghanistan joined India, Australia, England, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, New Zealand, Ireland and the Netherlands as teams that play all formats.

Zimbabwe captain Mary-Anne Musonda believes this elevation will go a long way in the development of the game in Zimbabwe.

“I am really excited about tomorrow, everyone in the changing room is looking forward to it,” she said.

“It’s the first game after being given Test and ODI status, so this is a huge development for us, for women’s cricket in Zimbabwe.”

Musonda would love to toast to the new chapter with a win as they face an Irish team who last played an ODI in 2018 when they faced New Zealand.

“Everyone who is in the team playing tomorrow will obviously be part of the history books of women’s cricket in Zimbabwe.

“With that we just want to play our best cricket, cognisant of the fact that it’s a first game, everyone will be on debut and we really want to enjoy the moment, everyone is in a good space in the changing room,” said the skipper.

Musonda reckons after the emotions are settled, her side should play with the big picture of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in December within their sights.

A three ODI match home series against Bangladesh will precede the Qualifier.

“We really want to make Zimbabwe proud,” she said.

“It’s a first step going ahead in preparation for the global qualifiers that Zimbabwe is going to host in November- December.