Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced the central contracts for women for the 2022/23 season. A total of 19 players have been awarded contracts which see the captain and vice-captain of the national side, Mary-Anne Musonda and Josephine Nkomo alongside Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano get into the Grade A+ category.
Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, Hamilton Masakadza has quoted, “As part of our commitment to the growth and development of our women’s game, we are pleased to confirm the awarding of central contracts to a talented group of 19 players. We believe this will not only boost the morale of our players but will also allow them to fully focus on their game ahead of a crucial period for our national team, which includes participation at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2022 to be held in the United Arab Emirates in September.”
Zimbabwe Women’s Central Contract list:
GRADE A+:
- Mary-Anne Musonda
- Josephine Nkomo
- Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
GRADE A:
- Precious Marange
- Modester Mupachikwa
- Sharne Mayers
GRADE B:
- Nomvelo Sibanda
- Loreen Tshuma
GRADE C:
- Esther Mbofana
- Loryn Phiri
- Pellagia Mujaji
- Audrey Mazvishaya
- Christabel Chatonzwa
- Nyasha Gwanzura
- Ashley Ndiraya
- Nomatter Mutasa
- Chiedza Dhururu
- Francisca Chipare
- Tasmeen Granger
Zimbabwe last played in the Capricorn women’s T20 Tri-series which saw Zimbabwe suffer only a defeat in the opener against Namibia and then registered a 5-match win streak which saw them get into the finals. In the finals, they again met Namibia and this time bowled them out for 70 and in reply chased it down in 9.1 overs to bag the series win by 7 wickets. The series concluded in April end and that happens to be the last outing Zimbabwe have had.
Zimbabwe next are set to tour South Africa for as many as 5 T20Is from the 28th of August to the 3rd of September which serves them with an excellent opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup qualifiers. They then will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the 7th of September for a quadrangular series against Thailand Women, the United States of America, and the hosts.
Zimbabwe are placed in Group B in the T20 World Cup qualifier in September alongside Thailand, Papua New Guinea and UAE. The two teams that advance to the final will qualify for the T20 World Cup 2023 which will be held in South Africa next February.
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