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Brandon Moyo, [email protected] 

THE Zimbabwe senior women’s national cricket team has left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where they are set to take part in the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers. 

The Lady Chevrons who are poised to defy the odds left the country yesterday with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) naming a full strength squad for the tournament. 

The tournament will start on April 25 and Zimbabwe’s early departure for the showpiece gives them time to acclimatise before they get down to business.

In the squad that travelled, Zimbabwe got a timely boost following the return of top order batter Ashley Ndiraya who suffered an injury in January against Ireland. 

She also missed out on the training camp in India, African Games and the recent series against Papua New Guinea. 

Missing out on the team is spinner Loryn Phiri and fast bowler Kudzai Chigora who were part of the squad that faced Papua New Guinea Women.

The Lady Chevrons will be one of the two African representatives at the tournament, alongside Uganda. 

Under the guidance of Walter Chawaguta, the Lady Chevrons will be hoping that they finally get it right after a close shot in 2022. 

During their previous attempt at qualification, Zimbabwe missed out against Ireland after losing by a mere four runs.

The Lady Chevrons will be competing against nine other nations for the two remaining slots to the global showpiece which will be hosted by Bangladesh.

Eight teams, including the hosts, are already through to the showpiece.

The top six teams at the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup automatically qualified and these are Australia, England, India, South Africa, New Zealand and the West Indies.

Pakistan also made it through by virtue of being the next highest ranked team.

Ten teams are vying for the remaining two slots and these are: Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda and the United States of America who are in Group A while Group B consists of Ireland, the Netherlands, the UAE, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.

The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals and the two finalists will qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Zimbabwe Lady Chevrons

Mary-Anne Musonda (captain), Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, SharneMayers, Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Chiedza Dhururu,Loreen Tshuma, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Precious Marange, Pellagia Mujaji, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Francisca Chipare, AshleyNdiraya. – @brandon_malvin