Players from India and Zimbabwe paid a solemn tribute to former cricketer and umpire
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the gesture through a statement on social media, acknowledging the collective decision by both squads and the officiating team to commemorate the life and career of the trailblazing official. Dambanevana, who was 36, was widely respected for her contributions to the game both as a player and a match official.
A pioneering career in cricket
Dambanevana’s journey in cricket began as a fast bowler for Zimbabwe before she transitioned into a distinguished career in umpiring. She became a significant figure in the development of the sport, notably becoming the first female umpire from Zimbabwe to be appointed to the ICC Development Umpires Panel in 2022. Her international officiating career saw her stand in 72 senior matches, including 10 men's T20Is, 14 women's ODIs, and 48 women's T20Is.
Her rise through the ranks led to her first ICC appointment at the U19 Women's T20 World Cup in January 2023. Her final appearance as an official came on February 1, 2026, during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Nepal, where she officiated a match between Ireland and Thailand.
Series context and team news
The match in Raipur serves as a historic occasion, marking the first-ever bilateral international series between the two nations. For the Indian side, the fixture represents a new chapter as it is the first match under the leadership of newly appointed captain
