Former Zimbabwe Fast Bowler and International Umpire Sarah Dambanevana Dies at 36

Former Zimbabwean fast bowler and international cricket umpire Sarah Dambanevana has died at the age of 36, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed on Monday.

Dambanevana passed away in Harare after spending several months in hospital following a medical procedure in March, according to Zimbabwe Cricket. The governing body expressed sadness over her death, describing her as a trailblazer whose achievements made a lasting contribution to Zimbabwean cricket.

Born on May 26, 1990, Dambanevana represented Zimbabwe’s women’s national cricket team between 2009 and 2014. During her playing career, she established herself as a right-arm fast bowler and represented her country at the 2011 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

After retiring from playing, she turned to umpiring and continued serving the sport in a new capacity. In 2022, she was included in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Development Panel of Umpires, marking an important step in her international officiating career.

Her senior international umpiring career began on September 2, 2023. She subsequently officiated at major international tournaments, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

One of the most significant milestones of her career came in January 2023, when she became the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate in a Cricket World Cup final. She was part of the officiating team for the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup final between India and England in South Africa, where India won the title.

Dambanevana also gained recognition for her contributions to domestic cricket, breaking barriers for women officials in Zimbabwe. Her progression from an international player to an umpire at major global tournaments made her an important figure in the development of women’s cricket in the country.

Her death has left Zimbabwean cricket mourning a respected sportswoman whose career spanned both international playing and officiating. She is remembered for her contribution to the game and for helping create opportunities for future generations of women in cricket.