Zimbabwe women clinch Africa qualifier title

Zimbabwe Women were crowned champions of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier after a commanding nine-wicket victory over hosts Namibia at the Namibia Cricket Ground.

Namibia set a modest target of 116, finishing on 115 for seven in their 20 overs, with Kayleen Green top-scoring with 48. Zimbabwe's bowlers, led by Josephine Nkomo (2/13) and Beloved Biza (2/12), kept the opposition under control throughout the innings.

In reply, Zimbabwe chased down the target with ease, reaching 116 for one in just 16.3 overs. Kelis Ndhlovu starred with an unbeaten 70 from 52 balls, forming a 103-run partnership with Modester Mupachikwa, who scored 37. Ndhlovu's stellar performance earned her the Player of the Match award.

Both Zimbabwe and Namibia had already secured their spots in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, scheduled for early next year in Nepal. Ten teams will compete in the global qualifier for four spots at the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in England. Zimbabwe and Namibia will join Bangladesh, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Thailand, Nepal, the USA, and a tenth team from the East Asia-Pacific regional qualifier in Fiji beginning September 9.

This historic achievement marks a significant milestone, as neither Zimbabwe nor Namibia have previously qualified for a women's World Cup in any format.