Tribute to Sarah Dambanevana: India & Zim Wear Black Armbands

Cricketers from India and Zimbabwe paid tribute to Sarah Dambanevana by wearing black armbands during their first women's T20I match. A moment of silence was observed before the game to commemorate the former Zimbabwe cricketer and umpire, who passed away recently after a brief illness. Dambanevana had a distinguished career, first as a pacer for Zimbabwe and later as one of the nation's pioneering female match officials. Her dedication paved the way for women in cricket. In 2022, she became the first Zimbabwean woman umpire appointed to the ICC Development Umpires Panel, debuting at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup in January 2023. She made her international umpiring debut in September 2023, eventually officiating in 72 senior international games, including men's T20Is and numerous women's ODIs and T20Is. Her final assignment was a T20I in Nepal on February 1, 2026, during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier.