ZIMBABWE Cricket has named a 14-player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, which will take place in Namibia from 31 August to 6 September.
Veteran batter Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano will captain the team. The squad has a mix of experienced players and young talents as Zimbabwe aim to qualify for the Global Qualifier in Nepal, the last step before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Zimbabwe are in Group A with hosts Namibia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Group B has Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.
The Lady Chevrons will start their campaign against Namibia on 31 August at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. The next day, on the morning of 1 September, they will face Sierra Leone at the same venue. Their final group match will be against Nigeria on 3 September at the HP Oval in Windhoek.
The top two teams from each group will go to the semi-finals on 4 September. The two finalists will not only fight for the trophy on 6 September but will also earn a place in the Global Qualifier in Nepal next year.
Zimbabwe will hope to repeat their performance from the last Africa Qualifier in 2023, where they went unbeaten in Uganda and beat the hosts in the final.
Head coach Walter Chawaguta said the players were ready and motivated.
“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. Every game counts and we know what is at stake,” he said.
Chawaguta added that the squad had prepared well.
“We have worked hard on all aspects of our game – from batting depth and bowling variations to fielding sharpness. The squad has a good balance of experience and youth, and we believe we are in a strong position to compete.”
But he also warned against taking any team lightly.
“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 squad includes senior players Josephine Nkomo, Modester Mupachikwa, Loreen Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda and Christabel Chatonzwa, along with rising stars Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Kudzai Chigora, Adel Zimunu and Lindokuhle Mabhero. Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura and Francisca Chipare complete the 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
