Cricket

Ndhlovu Shines as Zimbabwe Women Clinch Africa Qualifier Crown

Kelis Ndhlovu struck a scintillating unbeaten 70 to power Zimbabwe Women to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Namibia Women in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Windhoek on Saturday.

Published

2 hours ago

September 7, 2025

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Namibia Women – 115-7 in 20 overs (Kayleen Green 48, Yasmeen Khan 23, Mekelaye Mwatile 18; Beloved Biza 2/12, Josephine Nkomo 2/13, Nyasha Gwanzura 1/19)

Zimbabwe Women – 116-1 in 16.3 overs (Kelis Ndhlovu 70*, Modester Mupachikwa 37, Loreen Tshuma 4*; Saima Tuhadeleni 1/18)

Zimbabwe Women won by nine wickets

The 19-year-old opener dominated proceedings with a fluent 52-ball knock, peppered with 11 fours and a six, as Zimbabwe comfortably chased down Namibia’s 115 for seven with 21 balls to spare.

The result sealed the regional title for Zimbabwe, who, along with Namibia, had already booked their tickets to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 in Nepal by reaching the final.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Zimbabwe had to work hard early on as Namibia’s openers made a steady start.

The breakthrough came in the eighth over when Nyasha Gwanzura bowled Sune Wittmann for 11, ending a 27-run opening stand.

Kayleen Green kept the scoreboard ticking with a composed innings of 48 off 47 balls, decorated with five boundaries and two sixes.

She put on 38 in just five overs with Yasmeen Khan before falling to Loreen Tshuma, returning a catch to the bowler with Namibia well-placed at 65 for two.

Khan (23) and Mekelaye Mwatile added a further 33 runs, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers hit back strongly in the closing stages.

Khan was run out in the 16th over, sparking a collapse.

Beloved Biza then removed Wilka Mwatile for two, while Josephine Nkomo struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Mekelaye Mwatile (18) and Jurriene Diergaardt (1).

Biza returned to claim her second wicket when Mezerly Gorases was caught by Chiedza Dhururu for one, as Namibia stumbled to 115 for seven in their 20 overs.

Biza and Nkomo finished with two wickets apiece, while Tshuma and Gwanzura chipped in with one each.

Zimbabwe’s reply was nothing short of emphatic.

Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa all but sealed the contest with a commanding opening partnership worth 112 runs in 16.1 overs.

Mupachikwa played the perfect supporting role with a patient 37 from 45 balls, striking five fours before she was bowled by Saima Tuhadeleni when attempting to finish the match.

There was little left for Namibia to celebrate, as Tshuma promptly struck a boundary to complete the chase at 116 for one in 16.3 overs.

Ndhlovu walked off unbeaten, her innings underlining her growing stature as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest young stars.

With the title in the bag and a ticket to the global qualifier secured, Zimbabwe will take confidence from their dominant showing in Windhoek where they won all their five matches convincingly.

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Sri Lanka Clinch T20I Series as Zimbabwe Fall Short in High-Scoring Finale

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Cricket

Sri Lanka Clinch T20I Series as Zimbabwe Fall Short in High-Scoring Finale

Zimbabwe’s hopes of sealing a home series win were dashed on Sunday night as Sri Lanka powered to an eight-wicket victory in the third and final T20I, securing the series 2–1 at Harare Sports Club.

Published

2 hours ago

September 7, 2025

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HARARE — Zimbabwe’s hopes of sealing a home series win were dashed on Sunday night as Sri Lanka powered to an eight-wicket victory in the third and final T20I, securing the series 2–1 at Harare Sports Club.

After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 191 for 8 in their 20 overs, with solid contributions from the top order. The hosts looked poised to defend the score, but Sri Lanka’s batting unit had other plans.

Leading the charge was Kamil Mishara, who delivered a match-winning performance and was named Player of the Match. Mishara’s fluent strokeplay anchored Sri Lanka’s chase, as they reached 193 for 2 in just 17.4 overs, comfortably surpassing the target with 14 balls to spare.

Despite the loss, Zimbabwe showed flashes of brilliance throughout the series, including a strong batting display in the final match. However, their bowling attack struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s aggressive approach in the decider.

The result means Sri Lanka take home the series trophy, while Zimbabwe will look to build on the positives ahead of future international fixtures. The series offered valuable experience for Zimbabwe’s younger players.

Cricket

Unbeaten Zimbabwe Women Secure Spot in Global Qualifier for 2026 T20 World Cup

Published

3 days ago

September 4, 2025

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Zimbabwe’s women’s cricket team has taken a major step toward the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, booking their place in the Global Qualifier after a commanding run through the Africa regional competition. Their latest triumph—a five-wicket victory over Uganda in the semi-final—sealed their qualification and extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

The win not only confirmed Zimbabwe’s spot in the final of the Africa Qualifier Division 1 but also guaranteed their participation in the next stage of the World Cup pathway. Their consistent performances have showcased a team growing in confidence and ambition, determined to return to the global stage.

Joining Zimbabwe in the Global Qualifier will be Namibia, who defeated Tanzania by eight wickets in the second semi-final. Namibia handed Tanzania their first loss of the tournament in a dominant display, setting up a final clash with Zimbabwe.

The Global Qualifier will feature ten teams vying for four coveted spots at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England. Alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, the lineup includes:

Netherlands and Ireland (Europe Qualifier)
United States (Americas Qualifier)
Nepal and Thailand (Asia Qualifier)
Scotland and Bangladesh, who earned automatic qualification based on their participation in the 2024 edition
One team from the East-Asia Pacific Qualifier, yet to be decided

Cricket

Sean Williams Sets T20I Longevity Record as Zimbabwe Battles Sri Lanka in Series Opener

Published

3 days ago

September 4, 2025

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Zimbabwe’s seasoned batter Sean Williams has carved out a unique place in cricket history, becoming the longest-serving player in T20 International cricket. His return to the format in the first T20I against Sri Lanka marked a monumental milestone—surpassing Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan to claim the record for the longest T20I career ever.

Williams, who debuted in the format back in 2006 alongside Shakib in a match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, has now played T20I cricket for an astonishing 18 years and 279 days. Shakib, who retired after the 2024 T20 World Cup, held the previous record with 17 years and 166 days.

This comeback was especially significant for Williams, who had been absent from the shortest format for over a year. His return not only extended his legacy but also highlighted his enduring commitment to Zimbabwean cricket.

Interestingly, Brendan Taylor—another Zimbabwean veteran who debuted in the same 2006 match—is also poised to join Williams on the longevity list. Although named in the squad for the Sri Lanka series, Taylor had to withdraw due to injury.

The opening match of the series saw Zimbabwe post a competitive total of 176, but Sri Lanka chased it down to take the win. After the match, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza reflected on the narrow defeat and the lessons for his team:

“I thought we were in the game for 19 overs, but it was one over that went for 20 odd that turned the game,” Raza said.

“These are the experiences the young boys need to have, but hopefully he nails his yorkers on another day. We knew the second innings could be tough to bat, but Kamindu played brilliantly.”

While the result didn’t favor Zimbabwe, the match was a celebration of endurance and legacy—especially for Sean Williams, whose name now stands alone atop the T20I timeline.