Sports Writer
At 16, many young female cricket players would only dream of donning the national colours, let alone opening the batting in a crucial T20 Tri-series.
But not when your name is Kelies Ndlovu.
With only six caps for the Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket national team, Ndlovu has already proven to the selectors that she was a good pick for the T20 Capricorn Tri-series involving the Lady Chevrons, Uganda and Namibia.
Her 58 not out knock against hosts Namibia on Sunday inspired the Lady Chevrons to a 67-run win.
Apart from scoring her maiden half century, Ndlovu wrote her own piece of history. Her 156 opening partnership with Shane Mayers was Zimbabwe’s best ever partnership for any wicket in T20.
She is also the fourth youngest cricketer in women’s T20 Internationals to score a maiden half century.
Opening the batting for the third time, with an experienced campaigner Mayers on the other end, Ndlovu hit three boundaries and one outside the park with an impressive 92.06 strike rate for her maiden half century.
With a batting tally of 119 runs in her maiden tour, the young cricketer looks poised to cement her place in the team which has seasoned cricketers like Precious Marange, Modester Mupachikwa and captain Marry Anne Musonda.
“It was a pleasure to watch her,” Lady Chevrons deputy coach Sinikiwe Mpofu said.
“We very much appreciate new talent. It’s been hard working with a few girls for a long time now, we need young blood to give more competition,” she added.
Former Zimbabwe Men’s national cricket team player, Tino Mawoyo said: “Outstanding from both openers on the day, especially young Kelis. She has a bright future, one of many that need to be nurtured. Great find.”
The Gerry Brent-led side has won all its matches in the ongoing T20 series in Windhoek and will play in the final, Tuesday.
Kelismonte