Zimbabwe Women’s cricket team has unveiled their squad for the highly anticipated ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. This qualifier, an essential step towards the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, gathers Africa’s top teams competing for a coveted spot in the Global Qualifier. Zimbabwe, with a rich cricketing heritage and a steadily growing women’s program, is gearing up to make a strong statement on home soil under the leadership of captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano.
The 14-woman squad reflects a balanced blend of experience, talent, and youthful promise. Resilient and tactically sound, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano assumes the captaincy and contributes a wealth of international experience to the leadership position. Her journey as a senior player has been marked by grit and consistent performances, vital for steering Zimbabwe through the demanding qualifier stages.
Beloved Biza, a versatile player known for her all-round abilities, joins the squad as an influential figure in both batting and bowling departments. Alongside her is Christabel Chatonzwa, whose determined batting and handy bowling provide depth to the lineup. The inclusion of Kudzai Chigora and Francisca Chipare further strengthens the bowling arsenal, adding variety and strategic options for the coaching staff.
The squad’s core batting strength is reinforced by talented players such as Nyasha Gwanzura and Lindokuhle Mabhero, both of whom have shown promise with powerful strokes and the ability to anchor innings when needed. Modester Mupachikwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Josephine Nkomo further bolster the middle order, each known for their ability to contribute crucial runs and stabilize the innings during challenging situations.
On the bowling front, Zimbabwe boasts an impressive mix of pace and spin. Josephine Nkomo, a vital all-round player, contributes medium-fast pace and potent lower-order batting. Nomvelo Sibanda and Loreen Tshuma add pace options, bringing aggression and control in the death overs to choke opposition scoring. The spin department is well represented by Francisca Chipare and the young, skilful Kelis Ndhlovu, whose left-arm spin has gathered praise for its precision and wicket-taking ability.
Wicket-keeping and fielding duties are shared amongst dependable hands like Chiedza Dhururu and Modester Mupachikwa, whose electric fielding and sharp reflexes behind the stumps add an extra dimension to Zimbabwe’s game plans.
The Qualifier itself represents an important opportunity. Zimbabwe will face tough competition from regional rivals Namibia, Uganda, and Kenya, each with its own objectives and advantages. The team’s preparation has been thorough, with emphasis on fitness, match awareness, and adaptability to different playing conditions expected in the host country.
The leadership group of Mugeri-Tiripano and senior players will be pivotal in managing on-field decisions and maintaining composure under pressure. Past encounters, such as Zimbabwe’s recent thrilling super over victory against South Africa Emerging at the African Games, have instilled a belief that the team can thrive in high-pressure moments.
For Zimbabwe cricket, this tournament is more than a qualifier; it is a stage to showcase the growth and potential of their women’s program. Success here will not only mean a step closer to the World Cup but also reinforce cricket’s rising profile among women athletes in Zimbabwe and inspire many young girls across the country to pursue the sport.
Zimbabwe’s squad for Africa Qualifier 2025:
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
This selected team symbolizes Zimbabwe’s ambition, growth, and readiness to compete on the continental stage and beyond, igniting hope for a bright future in women’s cricket for the nation. Their journey through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier will be followed with keen interest by cricket lovers both at home and around the world.
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