Sarah, first Zimbabwean female umpire in Women's T20 WC, passes away at 36
Sarah Dambanevana, a trailblazing Zimbabwean cricketer and international umpire, has passed away at age 36. She was the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate in a World Cup final and served on the ICC's development panel.
Why it matters
Her career broke significant gender barriers in cricket officiating, serving as an inspiration for women in sports across Africa and globally.
Former Zimbabwe fast bowler and international umpire Sarah Dambanevana has died in Harare at the age of 36. She passed away on Monday, October 12, after spending months in hospital following a medical procedure in March, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed.Dambanevana represented Zimbabwe as a player between 2009 and 2014 before moving into umpiring, where she went on to make history on the international stage.From player to a trailblazing umpireDambanevana began her senior international umpiring career in September 2023.
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