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Sports Reporter
UNITED States of America-based Tasmeen Granger will lead Matabeleland Tuskers cricket franchise women’s team at the inter-franchise finals that start today and end tomorrow in Harare.
Fourteen Bulawayo-based girls left by road yesterday for the national competition and are expected to link up with Granger in the capital before the games start.
Speaking before their departure at Queens Sports Club, coach Trevor Phiri said he is confident that his girls will deliver.

“Our preparations have gone extremely well and what even gives us an edge is that most of these girls have been playing cricket regularly at their respective schools. We identified the team during schools’ tournaments and added a few experienced players so that they lead them in Harare.

“From the composition of the squad, I believe we have what it takes to win the tournament. Every member of the squad will get a chance to play because it doesn’t make sense to take them along and deny them an opportunity to get exposed to competitive cricket,” said Phiri.

All-rounder Lorraine Tshuma, Atida Sibanda and Granger were part of the Zimbabwe senior women’s national team camp that participated at last year’s ICC Twenty20 World Cup Qualifiers in Ireland and are expected to use their experience in leading Matabeleland Tuskers to glory.

Right handed batters Chiedza Dururu, Tshuma and Granger will be joined by lefthanders Ellen Tshuma and Nomvelo Sibanda in leading the batting attack.
Seamers Nomvelo, Primrose Chitere, Anita Chisirimunhu, and Atida as well as spin duo of Natasha Donald-Nyoni and Lorraine Ndlovu will lead the bowling attack.
Matabeleland Tuskers’ manager Samu Nkiwane said the team is psyched up for the national tournament.

“The girls are raring to go. They know that playing well at this tournament enhances their chances of making it to the national teams.
“Already we have some girls who are part of the national Under-19 team and they will definitely want to prove that they deserve to be part of the national team set up,” said Nkiwane.

Dururu, Ellen and Nomvelo are members of Zimbabwe’s Under-19 national team.

Team
Tasmeen Granger (captain), Lorraine Tshuma, Ellen Tshuma, Savvy Tshuma, Primrose Chitere, Chiedza Dururu, Lorraine Ndlovu, Nomvelo Sibanda, Atida Sibanda, Anita Chisirimunhu, Thandolwenkosi Moyo, Natasha Donald-Nyoni, Sibonginkosi Ncube, Regai Matongo
Technical: Trevor Phiri (coach), Samu Nkiwane (manager)