By Daniel Nhakaniso
Top Zimbabwean female cricket umpire Sarah Dambanevana has been named on the list of 10 umpires and three match referees who will officiate the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which will be played in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20.
Dambanevana has been making tremendous strides in her career both locally and on the international scene over the last few years.
Dambavenana’s historic feat at the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup came after she also broke new ground locally by becoming the first female to officiate in a men’s domestic final during the 2022 Fifty50 Challenge.
A few months later she again made history by standing in her first List A match between Rhinos and Alliance Health Eagles at Kwekwe Sports Club.
Next month she will join an experienced group of umpires comprises seasoned officials including Claire Polosak, who will be umpiring in her fifth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, while Kim Cotton and Jacqueline Williams will each be umpiring in their fourth after taking charge of the final in Cape Town between hosts South Africa and eventual champions, Australia, last February.
Sue Redfern, who was the TV umpire for that final, is also back for her fourth appearance in the tournament.
The match referees’ team features GS Lakshmi, who refereed her first T20I back in 2012 and oversaw the final in 2023. She is joined by Shandre Fritz and Michell Pereira, who are each officiating in their second ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, Sean Easey said: “The ICC is proud to be contributing to the advancement of women in our sport. To be announcing this all-female lineup of match officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is wonderful.
“This group, selected as the most deserving umpires for this event following their recent form in bilateral and other cricket, are some of the very best from around the world.
“We are confident that they will do a great job at this event. I wish them the best of luck as they oversee the world’s top women’s cricketers in what will be an exciting tournament for all involved.”
Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match
Referees: Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira.
The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Anna Harris, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquiline Williams.