Sensation Kelis Ndhlovu to spearhead Zimbabwe U19 T20 World Cup effort
Seventeen-year-old sensation Kelis Ndhlovu will lead the team, with Michelle Mavunga, five T20Is into her international career, also named in the squad.
Boasting 15 senior T20Is for her country, Ndhlovu has claimed 15 wickets at an average of 11.46 with her left-arm orthodox, to compliment her 285 runs at an average of 23.75. Ndlovu was top of the wicket-taking charts at the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier earlier in the year, with 11 at an average of 9.36 and an economy of just 5.72.
The pair provide the bowling backbone of the squad, who have built up to the inaugural tournament with a tour of India this month.
Twins Kay and Kelly Ndiraya, younger sisters of senior Zimbabwe international Ashley, are also part of the squad of 15, and the family affair continues with the selection of bowling all-rounder Tawananyasha Marumani, the sister of men's international Tadiwanashe. The trio in the U19s squad have been consistent performers on the team's preparation tour, playing various academy XIs across the country.
Led by head coach Trevor Phiri, Zimbabwe face England in Group B action to begin their campaign on January 15. They then play continental rivals Rwanda on January 17, before taking on Pakistan on January 19.
All Group B matches will be played in Potchefstroom, with a top three spot needed to progress to the Super Six phase.
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