Former Zimbabwe fast bowler and international umpire Sarah Dambanevana has died in Harare at the age of 36, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed on Monday.
According to a statement released by Zimbabwe Cricket, Dambanevana had been receiving hospital care since undergoing a medical procedure in March.
Dambanevana made significant contributions to Zimbabwean cricket, first as a player and later as an international umpire. She represented Zimbabwe between 2009 and 2014, including at the 2011 Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, before transitioning into officiating.
Her international umpiring career reached new heights in 2023 when she officiated in the final of the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup between India and England in South Africa. With the achievement, she became the first Zimbabwean woman to umpire a World Cup final.
She made her senior international umpiring debut on September 2, 2023, and subsequently officiated at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. At the latter tournament, she was part of a historic all-female panel of match officials.
During her umpiring career, Dambanevana officiated in 63 senior international matches, including 42 Women's T20 Internationals, 11 Women's One-Day Internationals and 10 Men's T20 Internationals. She also officiated in domestic competitions and international youth tournaments.
In recognition of her growing experience and ability, she joined the ICC Development Panel of Umpires in 2022.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani paid tribute to Dambanevana, praising her achievements and the inspiration she provided to aspiring female cricketers and officials.
"Sarah served Zimbabwe with distinction, first as a player and then as an umpire whose ability earned her a place on the world stage," Mukuhlani said.
He described her appointment to a World Cup final as a moment of immense pride for Zimbabwean cricket, adding that her achievements demonstrated to young women that they could reach the highest levels of the sport, including in roles where opportunities had historically been limited.
Mukuhlani also highlighted her commitment to helping others develop, saying her dedication, professionalism and willingness to support fellow officials would remain an important part of her legacy.
Dambanevana's passing is a significant loss for Zimbabwean cricket. Her journey from international player to World Cup umpire broke barriers and created an inspiring example for future generations of women in the game.