Mushangwe spent almost three years exiled from international matches because of visa issues until April 2022, returning to help Zimbabwe win a tri-series against Namibia and Uganda that year as the leading wicket-taker.
As a permanent Australian resident, she was able to sign a deal with Adelaide Strikers to become the first Zimbabwean contracted in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Her debut season featured just one appearance, but Mushangwe became a mainstay during a 2023 campaign which included a masterful final over in a three-run win over Sydney Thunder to send her side top of the standings in November.
Another three-run victory followed in the final against Brisbane Heat on 2 December as the Strikers successfully defended their total of 125 in front of more than 12,000 people at the Adelaide Oval.
“I felt really calm and confident that we were going to make it,” Mushangwe said of the final, learning from team-mates who include several Australia internationals and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt.
“I feel like I have gained a lot being around them, and it has helped my bowling as well.
“We have defended less than that before. In the Sydney Thunder game, it was almost the same scenario.
“I had that same belief that we going to make it as well. I felt like the energy around the group would come as well, in that moment.”
Two days later the squad’s achievements were recognised by a reception hosted by South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas at the state’s Parliament House.
