Photo via The Times of India

Sarah, first Zimbabwean female umpire in Women's T20 WC, passes away at 36

Sarah Dambanevana, Zimbabwe’s pioneering fast bowler turned international umpire, has died at age 36 after months of illness. A former Zimbabwean cricketer from 2009 to 2014, she transitioned into officiating and made history in 2023 as the first Zimbabwean woman to umpire a World Cup final—standing in the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup final between India and England.

Her breakthrough continued in 2024 when she became the first Zimbabwean female umpire to work in the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, followed by appearances in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where she was part of the first all-female match officials panel. Over her umpiring career, she officiated 63 senior international matches, including 42 women’s T20 Internationals, 11 women’s ODIs, and 10 men’s T20 Internationals, while also contributing to domestic and youth tournaments.

Before her passing on October 12, Zimbabwe Cricket praised her as a trailblazer who inspired young women in cricket by breaking barriers in high-profile roles.

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