HARARE (Kasmir English): Sarah Dambanevana, a former Zimbabwe fast bowler and international cricket umpire, has passed away at the age of 36.
According to ESPNcricinfo, she died on Monday in the capital, Harare; she had been undergoing hospital treatment since a medical procedure in March of this year.
Sarah Dambanevana represented Zimbabwe in cricket as both a player and an umpire, proving her mettle on the international stage.
Her umpiring career spanned several major global tournaments, where she fulfilled significant roles in women’s cricket.
Sarah’s senior international umpiring career began on September 2, 2023.
Subsequently, she officiated at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE and the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka.
She was also part of the historic, all-female panel of umpires and match officials appointed for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup—a significant milestone in her international umpiring career.
Prior to this, she officiated the final match between India and England at the 2023 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
With this achievement, she became the first woman from Zimbabwe to officiate a World Cup final. Officiated in 63 International Matches
Sara officiated a total of 63 senior international matches during her international umpiring career.
These included 42 Women’s T20 Internationals, 11 One Day Internationals, and 10 Men’s T20 Internationals.
Additionally, she officiated in domestic cricket and global youth tournaments.
Prior to her umpiring career, Sarah Dambanevana played cricket for Zimbabwe as a fast bowler between 2009 and 2014. During this period, she also participated in the 2011 World Cup Qualifier.
In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Development Panel of Umpires in 2022; her services across both facets of the sport earned her a significant place in Zimbabwean women’s cricket.
