The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifier heads into a crucial phase as Sierra Leone Women lock horns with Zimbabwe Women in Match 5 on September 1, 2025, at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek. The contest is scheduled to begin at 01:00 PM IST, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between two sides with contrasting form.
Sierra Leone, having lost only one of their last five encounters, have been one of the most promising units of the tournament, gradually establishing themselves as a rising force in African women’s cricket. Zimbabwe, however, enter this clash under pressure, with just a solitary win in their last five outings. Backed by experienced campaigners and a strong all-round core, they will be determined to get their campaign back on track.
Squads:
Sierra Leone Women’s Cricket Team
Aminata Kamara (C), Aisha Bangura, Celina Bull, Linda Bull, Fatu Conteh (wk), Alice Fillie, Ann Marie Kamara, Emma Kamara, Zainab Kamara (wk), Fatu Pessima, Patrica Pratt, Hassanatu Sawaneh, Hussainatu Sawanneh, Marie Turay
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (C), 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
Players to watch out:
Celina Bull
At just 18, Celina Bull has already become one of Sierra Leone’s brightest young stars. With 35 T20Is under her belt, she has amassed 358 runs alongside 17 wickets, showcasing her value as a genuine all-rounder. Her recent outings underline her dual contributions — handy cameos with the bat (scores of 0, 4, 6, 15, 18) and consistent breakthroughs with the ball, including a sharp 2/27 and a miserly 1/2. Even when runs haven’t flowed, her ability to keep things tight and pick up crucial wickets makes her a key player.
Linda Bull
The 32-year-old veteran brings balance and composure to Sierra Leone’s line-up. With 213 runs and 26 wickets in her 42 T20Is, she has the experience to influence games in both departments. Recently, Linda has provided stability with the bat, registering scores of 19, 6, and an unbeaten 4, while making her presence felt with the ball through figures of 1/26, 1/13, 1/12, and an outstanding 4/10. Her ability to break partnerships in the middle overs while contributing useful runs makes her one of the most dependable names in the squad.
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
Zimbabwe’s seasoned skipper and batting pillar, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, continues to lead from the front. With 1,274 runs in 60 T20Is, including the best of 80, she has been in sublime touch recently, producing scores of 42, 11, 39, 48, and 56 in her last five international games. Her consistency at the top not only anchors the innings but also sets the tempo for Zimbabwe’s batting. A player who thrives under pressure, Mugeri-Tiripano will be central to Zimbabwe’s hopes of revival.
Josephine Nkomo
One of the most complete all-rounders in African women’s cricket, Josephine Nkomo has the knack of turning matches single-handedly. In 58 T20Is, she has scored 521 runs, with a top score of an unbeaten 56, while also claiming 53 wickets with the best of 4/7. Her recent form has been outstanding with the bat, registering scores of 20*, 4, 53, 40*, and 22*. Coupled with her wicket-taking ability, Nkomo’s versatility makes her a genuine match-winner, and a player Sierra Leone will be wary of.
Pitch:
The Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek offers a fair balance between bat and ball. Fast bowlers can extract early movement, while spinners are expected to play a major role as the pitch settles and slows down. Batting will demand patience and smart shot selection, making it a surface where partnerships could be decisive.
Weather:
Perfect cricketing weather is forecast for the day. Clear skies, bright sunshine, and a dry atmosphere will greet the players, with temperatures hovering around 30°C and humidity at just 15%. Importantly, no rain interruptions are expected.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Zainab Kamara, Ann Marie Kamara, Celina Bull, Linda Bull, Aminata Kamara, Marie Turay, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Josephine Nkomo, Nomvelo Sibanda, Kelis Ndhlovu
Match Details:
Date – September 01, 2025
Time – 01:00 PM IST
Venue – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
Broadcast – Live on FanCode app and website.
