Game-On Reporter
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced a revamped 15-player Women’s squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan, signaling a major shift toward youth development.
Zimbabwe women’s cricket technical for the Pakistan tour, Steve Mangongo described the overhaul as a deliberate and necessary step to broaden the player base for the Future Tours Programme (FTP).
“Zimbabwe has taken a significant step into FTP cricket and it’s important that we expose young talent to the international stage while broadening our player base,” said Mangongo.
The squad features 10 new faces as selectors move to rebuild the national side following their failure to qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup in Nepal.
“We took a hard, honest look at where we are after missing out on qualification in Nepal for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
“This is the right time to rebuild and to integrate emerging talent. We now have a broader pool to work with as we look ahead to the FTP and upcoming qualifiers,” said the former Chevrons coach.
Mangongo emphasised that the selection process went beyond talent identification, with a strong focus on physical conditioning and long-term player development.
“One of our core mandates within the High Performance Programme is to develop well-rounded athletes,” he said.
“We’ve all seen how the women’s game has evolved, particularly in batting and fielding – players are now complete athletes.
“Skill development and the mental side of the game take time, but we are confident these young players, as they take their first steps in international cricket, will learn quickly and add depth and versatility to the women’s game,” he said.
Several senior players will miss the tour. Josephine Nkomo and Nyasha Gwanzura are sidelined with injuries, while Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano is unavailable due to personal matters.
Five other players from the recent New Zealand tour, including Modester Mupachikwa and Chiedza Dhururu have been dropped.
This tour marks the first time the Zimbabwe Women’s team will visit Pakistan.
All matches are scheduled to take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, beginning with an ODI series that counts toward the ICC Women’s Championship.
ZIMBABWE WOMEN SQUAD FOR PAKISTAN TOUR:
Nomvelo Sibanda (Captain), Beloved Biza, Olinder Chare, Kudzai Chigora, Melinda Kachingwe, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Precious Marange, Michelle Mavunga, Natasha Mtomba, Christina Mutasa, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Kelis Ndhlovu, Kelly Ndiraya, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Adel Zimunu
