Harare, September 07 (H.S.): Zimbabwe Cricket on Monday appointed Mark Coles as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team following a rigorous selection process. Coles is expected to take charge ahead of the upcoming five-match T20 International series against South Africa, which will be the first bilateral international series between the women’s teams of the two countries.

The New Zealander has previously served as head coach of the women’s teams of Pakistan and Scotland. He has also worked as an assistant coach with the Scotland men’s team. In addition, Coles has served as a High Performance Manager with Cricket Papua New Guinea and has worked as a coaching consultant in Australia.

Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “Mark Coles brings extensive experience in international coaching and high-performance environments. He also has a strong understanding of the needs and challenges of women’s cricket. We are confident that, working alongside the technical and support staff appointed at the senior and Under-19 levels, he will help build a competitive team and establish a clear pathway towards sustained success.”

He added, “We are confident that this group will help take Zimbabwe women’s cricket forward and enable the team to compete strongly at the international level.”

Coles will be joined by Rangarirai Manyande, who will serve as the batting assistant coach, while Trevor Phiri will take charge as the fielding coach.

The five-match T20 International series between Zimbabwe and South Africa will begin on September 11 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. All five matches of the series will be played at the same venue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar