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Former Zimbabwe cricketer and umpire Sarah Dambanevana passes away at 36

Sarah Dambanevana, Zimbabwe’s trailblazing fast bowler and pioneering umpire, has died at the age of 36. A key figure in both playing and officiating roles, Dambanevana made history as the first Zimbabwean woman to stand in a World Cup final when she officiated the 2023 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup decider between India and England.

Her career flourished after retiring as a player in 2014, with her senior international umpiring debut arriving in September 2023. She went on to officiate in 63 matches across formats, including the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE and the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, where she was part of the tournament’s all-female umpiring panel.

Beyond her World Cup assignments, Dambanevana worked in domestic cricket and youth tournaments, while also serving on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires since 2022. Before her officiating career, she represented Zimbabwe as a player from 2009 to 2014, including at the 2011 World Cup Qualifier.

Her contributions to the sport were widely recognized, with Zimbabwe Cricket praising her as an inspiration for young women in cricket, both on and off the field.

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