By Zim Sport Live Writer
Experienced left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda has been handed the captaincy of Zimbabwe Women ahead of their landmark tour of New Zealand, replacing Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano following the team’s disappointing campaign at the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global qualifier in Nepal.
Sibanda will lead the Lady Chevrons on their maiden tour in the ICC Women’s Championship, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women’s cricket in Zimbabwe.
The 15-member squad blends experienced campaigners with exciting young prospects as Zimbabwe prepare to test themselves at the highest level of the women’s game.
Former skipper Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano remains a key figure in the set-up alongside Modester Mupachikwa, with the duo expected to provide stability at the top of the order in challenging New Zealand conditions.
The all-round trio of Josephine Nkomo, Loreen Tshuma and Christabel Chatonzwa will offer crucial balance, while the pace department receives a boost through Audrey Mazvishaya’s inclusion.
Zimbabwe will also look to promising youngsters Kelis Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza to bring youthful energy and attacking intent to the squad.
The tour begins with a three-match T20 International series against New Zealand Women at Seddon Park on 25 and 27 February and 1 March. The matches will give Zimbabwe valuable time to acclimatise before attention turns to the 50-over format.
The focus will then shift to Dunedin, where the teams will face off in three One-Day Internationals at University of Otago Oval on 5, 8 and 11 March 2026.
These ODIs form part of the 2025–2029 cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship — the fourth edition of the tournament and the primary qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029.
Zimbabwe Women secured their place in the championship following its expansion from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024 — recognition of the steady progress made in developing the women’s game domestically.
Under the current format, each of the 11 teams will contest eight three-match ODI series — four home and four away — across the cycle. According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, Zimbabwe will travel to New Zealand, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while hosting South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland.
Inclusion in the championship not only underlines Zimbabwe Women’s rising stature on the international stage, but also reflects sustained investment in domestic competitions and high-performance structures back home.
For Sibanda and her charges, the New Zealand tour represents more than just another overseas assignment — it is the beginning of a new chapter for women’s cricket in Zimbabwe.