Zimbabwe's player-turned-umpire dies aged 36

Zimbabwe's player-turned-umpire Sarah Dambanevana passed away in Harare on Monday.

She was 36 and had remained in hospital since undergoing a medical procedure in March. Born on May 26, 1990, Dambanevana represented the Zimbabwe women's team at the 2011 Women's World Cup Qualifier.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Following the end of her playing career, Dambanevana took up umpiring and went on to officiate at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE and the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where she was part of the tournament's historic all-female panel of match officials.

Earlier this year, Dambanevana also stood as an umpire in the ICC Men's U19 World Cup final between England and India, becoming the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate in a World Cup final. As a match official, Dambanevana officiated in 42 women's T20Is, 11 women's ODIs and 10 men's T20Is.

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani expressed deep sorrow at Dambanevana's passing and extended his condolences to her family during this difficult time.