Nomvelo Sibanda to lead Zimbabwe women on historic Pakistan tour

Nomvelo Sibanda will lead a youthful and largely revamped Zimbabwe Women's side after Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) unveiled a 15-player squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan.

The tour marks a historic first, as Zimbabwe Women prepare for their maiden visit to Pakistan, with all six matches scheduled to be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

The squad signals a major transition for Zimbabwe, featuring 10 new players and retaining only five members from the side that toured New Zealand in March. Sibanda takes over captaincy duties following the retirement of long-serving skipper Mary-Anne Musonda earlier this week.

She will be supported by experienced all-rounder Precious Marange, whose leadership is expected to steady a relatively inexperienced squad.

Among the notable inclusions is promising all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu, who has recovered from a concussion sustained during the New Zealand tour. Rising talents Beloved Biza and Adel Zimunu have also earned call-ups.

Zimbabwe Women's technical director Steve Mangongo said the sweeping changes are part of a broader strategy aligned with the demands of the ICC Women's Championship 2025–2029 and the Future Tours Programme.

"Zimbabwe has taken a significant step into FTP cricket, and it's important that we expose young talent to the international stage while broadening our player base," Mangongo said, adding that the team had undertaken a candid review following their failure to qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup in Nepal.

The six-match series will begin with three One Day Internationals (ODIs) on May 3, 6 and 9, which form part of the ICC Women's Championship. This will be followed by three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) scheduled for May 12, 14 and 15.

Zimbabwe will be without several experienced players. Josephine Nkomo and Nyasha Gwanzura miss out due to injury, while Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano is unavailable due to personal commitments.

Additionally, Modester Mupachikwa, Chiedza Dhururu, Loreen Tshuma, Loryn Phiri and Tendai Makusha - all part of the New Zealand tour - have not been selected.

Non-travelling reserves include Christabel Chatonzwa, Audrey Mazvishaya and Passionate Monorwei.

The tour represents a critical step in Zimbabwe Women's rebuild, as the team seeks to gain valuable international exposure and establish a competitive core ahead of a demanding global schedule. With a blend of youth and experience, all eyes will be on Sibanda's leadership as Zimbabwe embark on this landmark tour.