T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: Zimbabwe and Namibia have secured spots in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, set to be held in Nepal early next year. The ten-team tournament will determine the final four spots for the expanded 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in England.
Neither Zimbabwe nor Namibia have previously qualified for a women's cricket World Cup in any format. Their progression to the global qualifiers makes for a huge moment in the development of women's cricket in the African region.
Zimbabwe booked their place with a five-wicket win over Uganda in the first semi-final of the Africa Region Division One Qualifier. Zimbabwe were in a spot of bother at 86/4 in the 16th over, but eventually romped home with 14 balls to spare.
It was followed by Namibia defeating Tanzania by eight wickets in the second semi-final. Zimbabwe and Namibia will meet in the regional final at the Namibia Cricket Ground on September 6.
They now join Bangladesh, Ireland, Thailand, Nepal and the United States, who have already confirmed their participation in the global qualifying tournament. The remaining three teams will be decided through regional qualifiers - two from Europe and one from the East Asia-Pacific region.
It was followed by Namibia defeating Tanzania by eight wickets in the second semi-final. Zimbabwe and Namibia will meet in the regional final at the Namibia Cricket Ground on September 6.
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The 2026 Women's T20 World Cup will feature 12 teams for the first time, up from ten sides in the last edition of the competition in 2024. New Zealand are the defending champions, having defeated South Africa in last year’s final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.