The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
A mere four runs turned out to be the difference between success and failure for the Lady Chevrons at the just-ended ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in the United Arab Emirates.
Ireland beat Zimbabwe by four runs in the semi-finals and, together with Bangladesh, booked their place at next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
While the Lady Chevrons did finish the tournament on a high note, beating Thailand by seven runs in the third and fourth playoff match, the bitter end to their tournament run is likely to leave a sour taste in the mouths of many of the Lady Chevrons ensemble, especially those on the wrong side of 30.
These are ladies fast approaching the twilight of their careers and may not get another chance.
However, there will be more tournaments, qualifiers and chances for others such as Kelis Ndhlovu, who left her mark on the tournament.
She is likely to fondly remember the qualifiers for many years to come.
The 16-year-old all-rounder also happened to be the youngest player in the Zimbabwe squad at the qualifiers.
However, she was named best bowler of the tournament after bagging 11 wickets in five matches.
It is a feat she claims came as a surprise but one she gladly accepts.
“To be honest, I was not expecting to be the best bowler of the tournament, and it kind of took me by surprise when I saw the rankings. Looking back at it now, it feels good,” she said.
The qualifiers were the biggest assignment in her short but eventful international career.
She hopes to take lessons from the tournament to the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup next year.
“It is kind of disappointing (not to qualify), but it was a learning curve for me.
“Now I hope to use the lessons from the tournament to win the Under-19 World Cup next year.”
