The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
PLAYING for the Lady Chevrons has always been part of Francisca Chipare and Kelis Ndhlovu ’s dreams.
Like most cricketers, they imagined how life might possibly be in professional cricket by rehearsing their celebrations through raising their bats as gestures for achieving batting milestones.
And, for a second or two, those dreams nearly came true.
Chipare and Ndhlovu had their maiden call-ups earlier this month for the Pakistan tour.
Unfortunately, neither could have envisioned how quickly their dreams could turn into a nightmare.
Ndhlovu was the 12th woman for the first ODI match, while Chipare had been assured of a start in one of the six scheduled matches of the series.
However, a couple of days into the series, the unexpected happened.
The tour was called off after the airline the Asians had used to come to Zimbabwe announced a suspension of flights owing to the second wave of the coronavirus across the world.
“It was a dream come true for a minute there,” said 23-year-old Chipare.
“Representing my nation at such a level is something I have always looked forward to.
“The news of the series being cut was really something else.
“It came as a shocker, no one saw it coming. It was painful and difficult to accept,” she said.
Not only had Chipare hoped to make her debut, but she viewed the series as an opportunity to showcase her talent and learn the ropes of international cricket.
“Being selected felt right.
“It was an opportunity which I truly embraced and thanked God for.
“Like any other player, I looked forward to showcasing my abilities as a cricketer, as well as a chance to learn,” said the Southern Rocks player.
The tragedy of it all is something Chipare hopes to put behind her.
If and when granted another chance, she hopes to grab it with both hands.
“After going through such a heart-breaking experience, I want to keep on working on my game.
“The goal is to work on my shortcomings, as well as boost my confidence. I want to be ready when another chance comes knocking,” said Chipare.
Ndhlovu similarly has the same resolve.
“I remember when I was selected, I told everyone who cared to listen.
“Playing for the national team had always been a dream of mine ever since I started playing the game when I was six,” said the top-order batswoman.
“My parents, especially my mom, cried with joy.
“I, too, joined them in shedding a tear or two,” said Ndhlovu .
Of the two debutants, she came the closest to actually playing.
She was named 12th woman for the first ODI on February 9, before the series was cancelled two days later.
“I was happy to be named in the squad.
“Due to being in fine form, I knew I was going to make my debut during the series.
“When I was selected to be the 12th woman in the first ODI, I was not hurt as I knew my time would come sooner or later,” said the 16-year-old.
Having tasted some form of action, however, made the cancellation all the more heart-breaking.
“When I heard that our tour had been cancelled, and we were told that we would be going back home, I cried yet again. I was so disappointed, as I had expectations of playing in one of the games,” she said.
