Mugeri-Tiripano happy to be back

Blessing Malinganiza

LADY CHEVRONS top order batter Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano is happy to have recovered in time for the crucial ICC T20 Women World Cup final qualifiers later this month.

She suffered a hamstring injury at the start of the year and was sidelined for two months amid fears she could miss the tough qualifying tournament in which coach Walter Chawaguta would need all the best players available.

The 32-year-old top order batter has described her time on the sidelines as traumatic.

“Being out with an injury is traumatising, especially when you know that others are progressing. At times I found myself asking some difficult questions that I was not able to answer, wondering whether or not I would be able to catch up with others,” said Mugeri-Tiripano.

She later chose to ignore the haunting questions and focus on her recovery.

“It’s very important to focus mentally when you are injured. l thank God l recovered well in time for the qualifiers. It really feels good to be back with the team,” she said.

On her return to the Lady Chevrons against Papua New Guinea, Mugeri-Tiripano scored three-half centuries in four innings.

“After going through some pain and taking baby steps through physiotherapy sessions, it really is not fair to give myself a 100 percent fitness level, but considering how l performed during the recently ended PNG games, I am, no doubt, ready for the qualifiers,” she said.

“The Papua New Guinea tour was crucial for me because I felt I needed some game time and it did come at the right time for me.

“It’s a blessing to be able to contribute with the bat for my team. It’s every player’s wish to do well. I’m hoping the form will continue throughout the qualifiers.”

Mugeri-Tiripano, a senior player with the Lady Chevrons, was optimistic the team would make the grade at the qualifiers and secure one of the two spots on offer for the ICC T20 World Cup to be hosted by Bangladesh later this year.