THE INAUGURAL Under 19 Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, with 16 countries set to battle it out in South Africa this month for the chance to be crowned the inaugural champion.

Ahead of the tournament, we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the countries competing at the tournament, looking at their squads, their fixtures and how things might go for them.

In this preview, we are looking at Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe has never been a powerhouse in World Cricket, but are a more regular member of the international fixture than the countries mentioned in the Minnows preview, which is why they get their own separate preview.

The Zimbabweans will certainly be looking to defy the odds at this World Cup, because it is so rare that the Chevrons make any Cricket World Cup.

They also do not have the easiest group to progress very far in this World Cup.

They are in the same group as England, Pakistan and Rwanda, but just need to finish ahead of one of those countries to make it to the next stage of the competition.

There is a bit of a family affair in the Zimbabwean squad for this year’s World Cup, with twins Kay and Kelly Ndiraya both making the squad, and they are the sisters of Senior Zimbabwean international Ashley Ndiraya.

They are not the only family affair in the squad, with Tawananyasha Marumani, the sister of men’s international Tadiwanashe Marumani, also in the squad.

17 year old Kelis Ndhlovu will be captain of Zimbabwe at this year’s World Cup, and she actually has international experience. She has 15 senior T20 internationals for her country to her name, with the left arm orthodox bowler claiming 15 wickets at an average of 11.46 and scoring 285 runs at an average of 23.75.

She is not the only one with international experience in the Zimbabwean squad, with fellow bowler Michelle Mavunga having represented her country at T20 international level five times.

Zimbabwe Squad

Kelis Ndhlovu (captain), Kelly Ndiraya, Kay Ndiraya, Adel Zimunhu, Natasha Mutomba, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Danielle Meikle, Tawananyasha Marumani, Michelle Mavunga, Olinda Chare, Kudzai Chigora, Betty Mangachena, Chipo Moyo, Faith Ndhlalambi, Rukudzo Mwakayeni

Zimbabwe Fixture

January 15 – England

January 17 – Rwanda

January 19 – Pakistan