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

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.

Zimbabwe Cricket has named a strong 14-player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, to be staged in Namibia from 31 August to 6 September.

Veteran batter Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano will lead the side, which features a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents as Zimbabwe seek to secure a place at next year’s Global Qualifier in Nepal – the final step towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Zimbabwe are drawn in Group A alongside hosts Namibia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, while Group B consists of Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.

The Lady Chevrons will kick off their campaign against Namibia on the afternoon of 31 August at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.

They will then face Sierra Leone the following morning at the same venue, before wrapping up their group fixtures with a clash against Nigeria on 3 September at the HP Oval in the Namibian capital.

The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled for 4 September, with the two finalists not only battling for the trophy on 6 September but also booking their tickets to the Global Qualifier in Nepal early next year.

Zimbabwe will look to draw inspiration from their impressive run in the last edition of the Africa Qualifier, held in Uganda in 2023, where they went unbeaten and defeated Uganda in the final to advance.

Head Coach Walter Chawaguta said the team was focused and determined to build on that success.

“This tournament is of huge significance because it is our gateway to the Global Qualifier, which in turn gives us a chance to play at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026,” he said.

“Every game counts and we know what is at stake.”

He added that preparations had gone well, with the players responding positively in training.

“We have worked hard on all aspects of our game – from batting depth and bowling variations to fielding sharpness,” he said.

“The squad has a good balance of experience and youth, and we believe we are in a strong position to compete.”

Chawaguta, however, warned against complacency.

“It’s important for us to stay humble and grounded,” he said.

“We cannot afford to underestimate any opposition because in tournament cricket, one bad day can undo all your hard work.

“The key will be to remain consistent and play every match with the same intensity.”

The Zimbabwe squad brings together experienced players such as Josephine Nkomo, Modester Mupachikwa, Loreen Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda and Christabel Chatonzwa, alongside rising stars Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Kudzai Chigora, Adel Zimunu and Lindokuhle Mabhero.

Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura and Francisca Chipare complete the 14-player line-up.

ZIMBABWE WOMEN’S SQUAD FOR ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER 2025:

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (Captain), Beloved Biza, Christabel Chatonzwa, Kudzai Chigora, Francisca Chipare, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Modester Mupachikwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Josephine Nkomo, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma, Adel Zimunu

Source: Zimbabwe Cricket