Harare: Zimbabwe Cricket has named a 14-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, to be held in Namibia from 31 August to 6 September. The announcement comes as the team, popularly known as the Lady Chevrons, prepares to battle for a place in the Global Qualifier, which will decide the final participants for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Tournament overview

The Africa Division 1 Qualifier will feature eight nations divided into two groups. Zimbabwe will compete in Group A alongside Namibia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Group B consists of Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.

The stakes are high, as only the top two teams from this event will qualify for the Global Qualifier scheduled next year. From there, four out of ten participating sides will eventually advance to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, beginning on 12 June, with the final to be played at Lord’s on 5 July.

Zimbabwe’s 14-member squad

Zimbabwe will be led by experienced batter Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, whose leadership has been instrumental in guiding the squad through previous qualifiers. The selectors have gone for a balanced mix of seasoned players and young talents, hoping to strike the right combination for the high-pressure tournament.

Squad list:

  • 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

    • The presence of stalwarts like Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa and Josephine Nkomo provides the team with stability, while young faces such as Beloved Biza and Adel Zimunu add freshness to the line-up.

    Opening fixtures

    Zimbabwe’s campaign will begin against hosts Namibia on 31 August, a fixture expected to be one of the most challenging in their group. This will be followed by matches against Sierra Leone on 1 September and Nigeria on 3 September. The outcome of these games will be crucial in deciding whether Zimbabwe secure a semi-final berth.

    Key challenge: Ndhlovu’s bowling suspension

    A significant concern for Zimbabwe is the suspension of all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu from bowling in international cricket. Ndhlovu was barred after her action was deemed illegal, and she can only resume bowling once her remodelled action is reassessed and cleared.

    While she remains part of the squad as a batter, the loss of her bowling services reduces Zimbabwe’s options, especially in the spin department. Her absence from the bowling attack means the likes of Nomvelo Sibanda and Loreen Tshuma will have to shoulder more responsibility.

    Balancing youth and experience

    Zimbabwe’s selectors have placed faith in both experienced campaigners and newcomers. Mugeri-Tiripano’s leadership, combined with the batting contributions of Nkomo and Mupachikwa, is expected to form the backbone of the side. At the same time, the younger players are being groomed for future responsibilities, making this qualifier an opportunity for them to showcase their potential.

    The Lady Chevrons have previously shown they can compete at this level, but consistency has often been their biggest hurdle. Overcoming this challenge will be vital if they are to progress to the next stage.

    Conclusion

    Zimbabwe enter the Africa Qualifier with cautious optimism. A well-rounded squad, experienced leadership and a focused coaching staff provide reasons for confidence. However, the competition is expected to be stiff, with Uganda and Namibia posing major threats.

    For Zimbabwe, the path to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins here. Every game will be decisive, and their dream of playing on the world stage at Lord’s will depend on their ability to remain disciplined, resilient and united in Namibia.