Former Zimbabwe fast bowler and umpire Sarah Dambanevana passed away in Harare on Monday at the age of 36. According to a statement released by Zimbabwe Cricket, she had been receiving hospital care since undergoing a medical procedure in March.
Dambanevana made her senior international umpiring debut on September 2, 2023, and went on to officiate at several major tournaments. She was part of the officiating team at the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE and the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, where she featured in the tournament's historic all-female panel of match officials.
One of the significant milestones in her career came at the 2023 Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa, where she officiated in the final between India and England. With that assignment, Dambanevana became the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate in a World Cup final.
Over the course of her senior international umpiring career, she officiated in 63 matches, including 42 women's T20Is, 11 women's ODIs and 10 men's T20Is. She also worked in domestic cricket and international youth tournaments, further establishing her presence in the game. In 2022, she was included in the ICC Development Panel of Umpires.
Before taking up umpiring, Dambanevana represented Zimbabwe as a player between 2009 and 2014. She was also part of the country's campaign at the 2011 World Cup Qualifier, marking an important chapter in her association with Zimbabwean cricket.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani paid tribute to Dambanevana, remembering her contributions to the sport both as a player and an umpire.
"Sarah served Zimbabwe with distinction, first as a player and then as an umpire whose ability earned her a place on the world stage," ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
"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.
"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."
