The Sunday Mail
Tinashe Kusema
Deputy Sports Editor
IMAGES of the Pakistan women’s cricket team packing their bags onto the bus moments before they were whisked away to the airport for a flight back home is one that Mary-Anne Musonda has probably played over and over again in her head over the past two months.
First came the confusion over this unusual sight, and then came the heartbreak as news filtered through that Pakistan’s tour to Zimbabwe had been cut short.
Only one game had been played.
The coronavirus pandemic had reared its ugly head once again, forcing Emirates Airlines to suspend flights to Zimbabwe.
This could have left the Asians stranded had they stayed to complete the series.
“We got the news just as we were arriving at Harare Sports Club for a training session in preparation for the second game of the series,” said Musonda.
“The Pakistan team were by their bus packing their kit bags, which was unusual because teams usually leave their bags in the changing rooms until the series is over.
“It was then that confusion set in, and then later turned into heartbreak as the news broke.
“We then had a team chat when we got to the changing room.”
However, that was then.
Now the Lady Chevrons captain is likely to create new memories as Zimbabwe has finally attained ODI (One Day International) and Test status.
The decision was made at an International Cricket Council (ICC) virtual meeting, during which Anil Kumble’s board decided to grant ODI and Test status to female teams of all full-member countries.
Before this momentous announcement, only 10 women’s teams enjoyed such status — Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, India, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Ireland and Netherlands.
Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are now part of the group.
Musonda and her coach Adam Chifo believe the move was long overdue.
It also comes as a huge consolation for the heartbreak caused by the coronavirus over the last couple of months.
“We had just completed a training session at Takashinga, having a few laughs after a net session with Precious Marange, Modester Mupachikwa, Audrey Mazvishaya and coach Chifo.
“I remember getting up to congratulate my teammates with a fist bump and a big smile on my face.
“I said to them, ‘we can now tick that box (of attaining ODI status) on our team goals. Congrats guys,’” said Musonda of the day they received the good news.
She says lack of ODI and Test status has been pegging the women’s game back.
“It definitely comes as a huge consolation, to be honest. One of our goals was to attain ODI status.
“We have long known that getting game time, especially against some of the bigger nations, without an ODI status was always going to be a huge ask.
“From the time we began this journey back in 2006 our assignments have revolved around Africa/regional qualifiers and global qualifiers.
“We have not managed to qualify for the World Cup at global qualifiers and so our journeys have always ended there.
“Most of the so-called big teams have not been keen to play against Zimbabwe, and I think that mainly boiled down to us not having ODI status.
“It didn’t make financial sense to play matches which would not be recognised (friendlies) and matches that would not amass points.
“Having ODI, Test and Twenty20 status translates to broadening the way we, as Lady Chevrons, see and think about our cricket . . . . where we want to take it (cricket).”
Chifo is, however, a bit more pragmatic, and believes in taking things one step at a time.
The first job will be to make a mark in the ODI and Twenty20 format then gradually move to Test cricket.
“Looking at how we have fared in the past — what with the pandemic and not playing a lot of cricket – attaining ODI and Test status comes as huge relief.
“However, the issue of Test cricket in Zimbabwe is something that has not been discussed to its entirety when it comes to women’s cricket.
“Most of our discussions have been centred around ODI status, and attaining Test status too is a big deal.
“Now that it is here, we are ready and looking forward to it, but I don’t think now is the right time.
“Maybe, in the near future.”
She believes the team needs to play more ODI games, get exposure and grow its talent base.
“Once we get our feet right in the shorter version, it will be much easier to transition to Test cricket,” Chifo said.
