Zimbabwe Women Under-19 Team Heads to Nigeria Invitational Tournament

ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) has dispatched a Women’s Under-19 squad to participate in the fifth edition of the Nigeria Invitational WT20I tournament, which begins tomorrow and runs until March 28 at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.

This year’s competition marks Zimbabwe’s debut appearance at the event, alongside South Africa, as the tournament enters a new chapter under the title Patricia Kambarami Cup.

Announcing the development, the Nigerian Cricket Federation said the rebranded tournament introduces a fresh legacy while welcoming new participants to strengthen competition.

“The fifth Nigeria Invitational WT20I ushers in a new era with the trophy now named the Patricia Kambarami Cup. For the first time, South Africa Women Under-19 and Zimbabwe Women Under-19 teams will take part, adding new energy and showcasing emerging cricket talent,” the federation said.

Zimbabwe’s side will be led by captain Buhlebenkosi Maposa, sister to national men’s team player Tinotenda Maposa and Tuskers all-rounder Tawanda Maposa.

The 14-player squad features several players with senior international experience, including Beloved Biza, Christina Mutasa and Lorraine Pemhiwa, all of whom have previously represented the senior national team.

Zimbabwe Under-19s are scheduled to open their campaign against hosts Nigeria before facing Rwanda in their second fixture tomorrow. The team will then enjoy a three-day break ahead of a highly anticipated clash against regional rivals South Africa on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe Women Under-19 Team Heads to Nigeria Invitational Tournament.Photocredit – ZC

Their round-robin programme concludes with a match against Ghana on Wednesday afternoon, after which the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, domestic club cricket action continues in Bulawayo this weekend with several fixtures lined up across the leagues.

In the First League, 50-over matches will take centre stage as Queens Sports Club 1 face Amakhosi Cricket Club 2 at the Old Mutual Academy of Cricket Excellence tomorrow. On Sunday, Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) 1 will meet Wholesale Beef Bulls at the same venue, with both matches scheduled to start at 9:30am.

Second League action will also resume at the refurbished Milton High School ground, where NUST will take on Champions Cricket Club tomorrow.

Sunday’s fixtures will see BAC 2 clash with Dingani Bookshop Cricket Club at Emakhandeni Cricket Club, while Nketa Cricket Club 1 host Riverdale Roosters Cricket Club at Milton High School.