By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe Cricket has named a significantly reshaped Zimbabwe Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan, with selectors making sweeping changes following the team’s recent series whitewash defeat in New Zealand.
While the squad has been described as a “new-look” outfit, the overhaul reflects a response to recent results, with a strong emphasis on rebuilding and widening the player base ahead of a demanding international schedule.
The 15-player squad includes 10 new faces, highlighting a clear shift towards youth development as Zimbabwe prepares for the challenges of the ICC Women’s Championship and future global qualifiers.
The team remains without a substantive head coach after ZC advertised the vacant role early this week
Veteran coach Steve Mangongo, who will take up the role of tour technical director during the visit to Pakistan said the changes were both strategic and necessary as the team transitions into the Future Tours Programme (FTP).
“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 integrate emerging talent,” Mangongo said.
Despite the changes, a handful of experienced players have been retained to provide stability. Nomvelo Sibanda continues as interim captain, supported by senior all-rounder Precious Marange.
All-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu returns after recovering from a concussion sustained during the New Zealand tour, while emerging talents Beloved Biza and Adel Zimunu have also been included.
Zimbabwe will be without several experienced players for the tour. Josephine Nkomo and Nyasha Gwanzura are sidelined due to injury, while Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano is unavailable due to personal commitments.
Several players who featured in the New Zealand tour, including Modester Mupachikwa and Chiedza Dhururu, have also been left out as part of the restructuring.
The six-match series will mark Zimbabwe Women’s first-ever tour of Pakistan, with all matches scheduled to be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
The One Day International (ODI) series, set for May 3, 6 and 9, forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship (2025–2029), followed by T20 Internationals on May 12, 14 and 15.
Mangongo acknowledged the challenges of playing in subcontinent conditions but stressed that the tour will be key to the team’s long-term development.
“Playing in the subcontinent is always tough. Our expectation is for this group to compete strongly and grow as a unit,” he said.
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