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Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter

ZIMBABWE Lady Chevrons all rounder, Kelis Ndhlovu has been named in the Players to watch out for in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier is set to commence on Thursday, 25 April at two Abu Dhabi venues – the Zayed Cricket Stadium and the adjacent Tolerance Oval. Zimbabwe arrived safely this morning.

The tournament will provide 10 teams an opportunity of securing one of the two available spots in this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which will be played in Bangladesh in September-October.

The finalists will join the hosts, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and the West Indies in the pinnacle Women’s T20 tournament.

In the Abu Dhabi Qualifier, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda and the United States of America (USA) feature in Group A, while Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Vanuatu and Zimbabwe make up Group B. Each of the 10 teams have star performers who their teams will be relying on to deliver the goods in the two-week long event.

In a statement by the ICC, Ndhlovu is described as one the “established performers for Zimbabwe” and has progressed to become a reliable all-rounder.

“Zimbabwean teenager, Kelis Ndhlovu, has already become one of the established performers of her side. The 18-year-old all-rounder rose to prominence in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2023, where she captained Zimbabwe, and has also made a good start in 2024.

Her left-arm orthodox spin has helped her grab 11 wickets in 12 games in an overall tally of 34 T20I wickets.

Ndhlovu is also a capable batter. In 35 T20Is, the left-handed batter has scored two fifties and accumulated 601 runs.

At her young age, she has progressed to become a reliable all-rounder for Zimbabwe and her side will be banking on her for consistent contributions in their bid to secure one of the qualifying spots in Abu Dhabi.”

Other players include, Gaby Lewis from Ireland, Sterre Kalis – Netherlands, Kathryn Bryce – Scotland, Chamari Athapaththu – Sri Lanka, Natthakan Chantham – Thailand, Esha Oza – United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sindhu Sriharsha – United States of America (USA), Immaculate Nakisuuyi – Uganda and Rachel Andrew – Vanuatu.