By Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE women’s cricket team star Anesu Mushangwe has been rewarded for her breakout season by South Australia by being awarded her first professional contract with the SA Scorpions ahead of the new season.
The SA Scorpions are South Australia’s elite women’s cricket team, competing in the national 50-over domestic Women’s National Cricket League competition (WNCL).
Mushangwe is no stranger to the SA Scorpions, having played nine matches for the side in the 2022/23 season, including taking a four-wicket haul in the WNCL final at Blundstone Arena.
The leg-spinner originally from Zimbabwe has played 21 T20 Internationals and taken 33 wickets for her country.
After a successful international career with the Zimbabwe women’s side which is popularly known as the Lady Chevrons, Mushangwe has been making a name for herself in Australia.
Since moving to South Australia has impressed for Glenelg Cricket Club in SACA Premier Cricket to earn her first full state contract while she also became the first Zimbabwean to feature in the Women’s Big Bash League after being signed by the Adelaide Strikers.
Mushangwe is one of only three additions made to the SA Scorpions squad ahead of the 2023/24 WNCL season along with all-rounder Eleanor Larosa and fast bowler Courtney Neale.
The trio replace Brooke Harris and Ellie Falconer, who have decided to focus on other priorities outside of cricket.
SA Scorpions Head Coach Luke Williams welcomed the inclusion of Mushangwe before expressing his delight with the depth of the squad at his disposal.
“After a promising start to her career last year, we are delighted that Anesu has agreed to terms with South Australia for this season. She showed her ability to contribute at the level and played an important role in the games that she played,” Williams said.
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to retain the majority of a squad that’s played really good cricket over the last couple of years with two finals and with some new additions we’re hoping to go one step further next year,” added Williams, who was recently announced as the Women’s Australia A coach for the Tour of the UK.
South Australia 2022-23 contract list: Jemma Barsby, Sam Betts, Darcie Brown (Cricket Australia contract), Emma de Broughe, Josie Dooley, Paris Hall, Eleanor Larosa, Tahlia McGrath (Cricket Australia contract), Anesu Mushangwe, Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Kate Peterson, Megan Schutt (Cricket Australia contract), Courtney Webb, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella Wilson
