Former Zimbabwe Cricketer And Umpire Sarah Dambanevana Dies At 36

Sarah Dambanevana passed away in Harare on Monday [Source: ZIM Cricket]Zimbabwe cricket has lost a familiar figure who helped the country make its mark beyond the playing field. Sarah Dambanevana, a former fast bowler who later built an international career as an umpire, passed away in Harare on Monday at the age of 36. Her death comes after months of medical care, leaving behind a legacy that extended from representing Zimbabwe as a player to earning recognition on some of the biggest stages in women's cricket.Sarah Dambanevana dies after months of medical treatmentZimbabwe Cricket confirmed Dambanevana's death in an official statement, revealing that she had been receiving hospital care since undergoing a medical procedure in March. The former Zimbabwe fast bowler was 36.Dambanevana began her senior international umpiring career on September 2, 2023, and quickly earned opportunities at major international tournaments. She officiated at the Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2024 before joining the match officials for the Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2025.ALSO READOllie Pope Pulls Out of Afghanistan Premier League Draft Amid ControversyHer appointment to the 2025 tournament was particularly significant, as she was part of its historic all-female panel of match officials. It marked another milestone in a career that saw her become one of Zimbabwe's notable representatives in international umpiring.Before making her senior international debut as an umpire, Dambanevana had already achieved a major milestone in youth cricket. She officiated in the final between India and England at the 2023 Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa, becoming the first Zimbabwean woman to umpire a World Cup final.Her international assignments continued across both men's and women's cricket. She officiated in 63 senior international matches, including 42 women's T20Is, 11 women's ODIs and 10 men's T20Is. Her work also extended to domestic cricket and international youth tournaments.Sarah Dambanevana's journey from Zimbabwe player to international umpireBefore establishing herself as an umpire, Dambanevana represented Zimbabwe on the field between 2009 and 2014. As a fast bowler, she was part of the country's women's cricket setup and represented Zimbabwe at the 2011 World Cup Qualifier.In 2022, she joined the ICC development panel of umpires, a step that helped pave the way for her subsequent international appointments.Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani paid tribute to Dambanevana, highlighting her contribution in both roles and the significance of her achievements for women in the sport."Sarah served Zimbabwe with distinction, first as a player and then as an umpire whose ability earned her a place on the world stage," Mukuhlani said.ALSO READAnvay Dravid Stars Against Aaryavir Sehwag’s Team With Brilliant Knock