Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE Cricket team have named a strong side for the ICC Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, next month.
The Zimbabweans are one of two African sides among the 10 teams who will battle for four qualifying slots at the tournament which will run from February 7-21.
All the 10 nations have now announced their squads for next month’s event.
Zimbabwe, who made their international debut in 2006, have a fairly strong team that boasts of captain Sharne Mayers and vice-captain Precious Marange.
Zimbabwe will be going to the finals for the third time having qualified for the 2008 World Cup Qualifier where they placed fifth out of eight teams by defeating Scotland in a play-off.
India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka are among the leading sides participating in the tournament, which will decide which four teams get a chance to play in the ICC Women’s World Cup from June 24 to July 23 in England and Wales.
The top four sides will also earn places in the second edition of the ICC Women’s Championship, while the fifth and sixth placed sides will secure ODI status for the next four years.
Australia, England, New Zealand and the West Indies have already qualified directly for the tournament after finishing among the top four in the ICC Women’s Championship, which finished in November 2016.
According to the event format, each side will play four matches in the first round, with the top three sides from each group progressing to the Super Six stage, while also carrying forward points they earn against sides which would have progressed to the Super Six stage from their group.
Squad
Sharne Mayers (captain), Precious Marange, Esther Mbofana, Pellagia Mujaji, Modester Mupachikwa (wicketkeeper), Marry-Anne Musonda, Nomatter Mutasa, Ashley Ndiraya, Josephine Nkomo, Nonhlanhla Nyathi (wicketkeeper), Loreen Tshuma, Tasmeen Granger, Nomvelo Sibanda and Anesu Mushangwe.
Coach: Trevor Phiri.