Despite losing the white ball series 4-0 against Ireland Women following Friday night’s 14-run loss in the final T20 at Harare Sports Club, the depleted Lady Chevrons side will still take pride in the number of young debutants, who were given the chance to play.
The Zimbabwe team, which also lost the three match ODI series 2-0 after the other game ended in a tie was weakened by injuries to key players as well as absenteeism due to club commitments.
But amid the crisis there was an opportunity to parade upcoming talent such as 17-year-old seamer Kudzai Chigora, and fellow pacer, 19-year-old Michelle Mavunga who debuted in the first ODI match.
Chigora, completed her memorable white ball series after making her T20I debut while Lindokuhle Mabhera, the 20-year-old spinner was handed her T20I debut in the second match.
The selectors also dug deep in the future cage giving the nod to 15-year-olds, Christine Mutasa, a form 2 student at Petra High in the second T20I and batter, Beloved Biza who made her T20I debut during the fifth and final match.
It is now over to ZC, the selectors and the technical staff on what plan they have to ensure that the depth is maintained at all costs creating an equitable balance between the senior players and the young stock.
What is undeniable is that the young lads cannot stand alone and while the seniors might, they still need a fusion of the young at heart to be a formidable side, in short, both categories need each other.
Lady Chevrons vice-captain Josephine Nkomo and wicketkeeper batter, Modester Mupachikwa were ruled out of the series due to club commitments in Australia before the start of the games.
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While their void is naturally difficult to fill, the locals were dealt another blow following injuries to key personnel and senior players. These include top order batter, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano who was ruled out for close to a month due to a hamstring injury.
Mugeri-Tiripano played in only the first One Day International against Ireland Women and missed the other two ODIs and the rest of the six-match T20I series.
Pace bowler Audrey Mazvishaya suffered a hip flexor injury and all-rounder Ashley Ndiraya sprained her ankle while fielding in the first T20I international against Ireland will be out for a couple of months
