Zimbabwean cricket has lost one of its pioneering female officials, Sarah Dambanevana, who passed away at the age of 36 after a brief illness. She had served the country as a women’s cricketer before building an international career as an umpire. Starting as a fast bowler, she later moved away from playing and took up the responsibility of officiating matches. This change gave her a new way to remain connected with cricket. Her journey also became an example for women looking to make a career in the sport outside the playing field.
Dambanevana first wore Zimbabwe’s colours as a fast bowler, but her contribution to the game did not end when she moved into umpiring. She worked her way into international officiating and became one of the women who helped bring greater representation to the role in Zimbabwe. Her career showed how a player could continue serving the sport from a different position. Rather than limiting herself to one role, she took on new responsibilities and continued to grow. Her progress later brought her several important opportunities on the international stage.
Her career reached a significant point in 2022, when she became the first woman umpire from Zimbabwe to be included in the ICC Development Umpires Panel. The achievement was a first for her country and an important step in her professional journey. In January 2023, she received her first appointment from the International Cricket Council at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. This gave her the opportunity to officiate at a major international event. It also marked the beginning of further progress in her work as a match official.
On 2 September 2023, Dambanevana made her international umpiring debut in Gaborone, Botswana, during a women’s T20 International between Kenya and Botswana. Her performances helped her move forward, and she was subsequently chosen to officiate at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates. By the age of 36, she had worked as an umpire in 72 senior international matches. These appearances covered 10 men’s T20 Internationals, 14 women’s One Day Internationals and 48 women’s T20 Internationals, showing the range of matches she had officiated.
Her final international assignment came on 1 February 2026 in Nepal. She officiated the T20 International between Ireland and Thailand during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier. This was her last match as an umpire. Across her career, she had moved from playing for Zimbabwe to taking responsibility for international matches. Her progress was especially important for women in her country, as she became a trailblazer in a field where female officials were gaining recognition.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah paid tribute to Dambanevana following her death. He said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sarah Dambanevana.” Reflecting on her contribution, he added, “Her contribution to the game will be remembered with great respect, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.” He also extended condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and the Zimbabwe cricket community during this difficult time.
Dambanevana’s death has brought sadness to those connected with her and Zimbabwean cricket. Her career brought together two important roles: representing her country as a cricketer and serving the international game as an umpire. Becoming the first female umpire from Zimbabwe to join the ICC Development Umpires Panel remains a major part of her journey. Her achievements helped make the path clearer for women hoping to enter cricket officiating, and her contribution to the sport will be remembered with respect.
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