The cricketing world is mourning the loss of
Her death was confirmed by
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Dambanevana’s impact on the sport was profound, particularly in her role as an official. In early 2023, she etched her name into the history books by becoming the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate in a World Cup final, standing in the Under-19 Women's
Her international standing grew further during the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where she was selected as part of the tournament's first all-female panel of match officials. Over the course of her officiating career, which began at the senior international level in September 2023, she oversaw 63 matches. This tally included 42 women's T20 Internationals, 11 women's ODIs, and 10 men's T20 Internationals, alongside her contributions to domestic cricket and youth tournaments.
Tributes to a Pioneering Official
Following the announcement of her passing, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani paid tribute to her distinguished service. He highlighted the pride the nation felt watching her officiate on the world stage, noting that she shattered long-standing barriers for women in the sport. Mukuhlani emphasized that Dambanevana’s career provided a roadmap for young Zimbabwean women to pursue roles at the highest levels of the game.
Dambanevana, who had joined the ICC’s development panel of umpires in 2022, was remembered by the board for her professionalism, dedication, and her commitment to mentoring others. Her influence extended beyond the field, as she was credited with giving others the confidence to pursue their own ambitions within cricket. Her passing is described as a significant loss to the Zimbabwean cricket community, though her legacy as a trailblazer is expected to continue inspiring future generations of officials.
