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Sarah Dambanevana, former Zimbabwe Women's National Team cricketer and the first Zimbabwean woman to umpire a World Cup final, died at the age of only 36. Zimbabwe Cricket announced the passing of Dambanevana through an official release.
The cricket governing board of Zimbabwe informed that Sarah Dambanevana had been in hospital since March as she was receiving medical support. The International Cricket Council (ICC) shared an emotional note on the passing of the former Zimbabwe cricketer and umpire.
Sarah Dambanevana made her debut as an umpire in 2023
Sarah Dambanevana, who played for the Zimbabwe women's national cricket team between 2009 and 2014, made her debut as an umpire in the Kenya versus Botswana women’s T20I on 2 September 2023 in Gaborone. Before officiating the match, she joined ICC's Development Umpires Panel in 2022 as the first-ever female umpire from the nation. The transition from a player to umpire was evidence of her love, passion, and commitment to the game.
Throughout his career as an umpire, Dambanevana officiated several World Cup matches, including the 2025 Women's World Cup. She was in charge of multiple matches in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE, and the 2023 Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa as well. The U-19 final match was between India and England.
Sarah Dambanevana's career as an umpire and a cricketer
In her entire career, she officiated in 63 senior internationals, including 42 women's T20Is, 11 women's ODIs and 10 men's T20Is, and several other domestic matches.
Sarah Dambanevana made her debut as a Zimbabwe cricketer in 2009 as a fast bowler, and announced her retirement in 2014. As a cricketer, she represented the national side at the World Cup Qualifier in 2011.
An official statement from Zimbabwe Cricket
In the official press release, the Zimbabwe Cricket chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, mentioned that it was a proud moment for the entire nation when she took her stand as an umpire on the world stage. Sarah Dambanevana set an example that through dedication and continuous hard work, nothing will remain out of reach. Her career will keep the next generation inspired.
"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 said. "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."
On behalf of the ICC, Chairman Jay Shah said that they were deeply saddened by the demise of Sarah, who made history as an international umpire.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sarah Dambanevana. Sarah’s journey from representing Zimbabwe on the field of play to making history as an international umpire was an inspiration, and her achievements helped pave the way for more women to pursue careers in cricket officiating," Jay Shah stated.
