Former Zimbabwean cricketer and umpire, Sarah Dambanevana, has sadly passed away in Harare at the age of 36. Her death was announced by Zimbabwe Cricket, which noted she had been in hospital since a medical procedure in March.
Dambanevana transitioned from a player to a respected international umpire, beginning her senior umpiring duties on 2 September 2023. She became notable for her officiating roles at the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2024 and the ODI World Cup across India and Sri Lanka in 2025. These tournaments highlighted a historic all-female panel of match officials, marking a significant step in cricket history.
In 2023, she officiated the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup final between India and England in South Africa, making her the first Zimbabwean woman to umpire a World Cup final. Throughout her umpiring career, she managed a total of 63 senior international matches, including 42 women’s T20Is, 11 women’s ODIs, and 10 men’s T20Is, in addition to her work in domestic and youth tournaments.
Dambanevana was also a player for Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2014, which included participating in the World Cup Qualifier in 2011. She further contributed to cricket as part of the ICC development panel of umpires from 2022.
Reflecting on her career, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani remarked, “Sarah served Zimbabwe with distinction, first as a player and then as an umpire whose ability earned her a place on the world stage. Watching her stand in a World Cup final was a moment of immense pride for our cricket community and our country. She showed young Zimbabwean women that they belong at the highest levels of the game, including in roles where opportunities had long been limited.”
Mukuhlani further added, “Through her achievements, she opened doors and gave others the confidence to pursue their own ambitions. We will remember her dedication, her professionalism and her willingness to help others grow. Her passing leaves a painful void in our cricket family, but the example she set will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.”
Sarah Dambanevana’s journey from player to trailblazing umpire serves as an enduring legacy of her dedication to cricket, inspiring Zimbabwean women and the broader cricket community globally.
