Today, the Capricorn Eagles will take to the field for their third match in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, as they face Sierra Leone at 09h30 at the HP Oval in Windhoek. The stakes are high for Namibia, who must continue their winning streak to keep their hopes of qualifying for the global stage alive. 

The tournament, which kicked off on 31 August and runs until 6 September in Windhoek, brings together eight of Africa’s top women’s cricket teams: hosts Namibia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. 

The top two sides will book their places at the global qualifier in Nepal, scheduled from 12 January to 2 February 2026, a crucial stepping stone to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in June to July 2026. 

Namibia opened their campaign with a tough loss to tournament favourites Zimbabwe on Saturday. Despite valiant efforts from Suné Wittmann (23 off 29 balls), Yasmeen Khan (21 off 23), and Wilka Mwatile (an unbeaten 24 off just 14), Namibia fell short by 32 runs in pursuit of Zimbabwe’s target. 

However, the Capricorn Eagles bounced back in emphatic fashion in their second match on Monday, delivering a dominant performance against Nigeria to keep their qualification hopes alive. After bowling out Nigeria for just 70 in 18.4 overs, Namibia chased down the target in just 9.5 overs, finishing at 71/2 to seal an eight-wicket victory. 

Opening batter Khan led the charge with a stunning unbeaten 51 off 30 deliveries, an innings that included eight boundaries and two sixes. Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Namibia’s bowlers also played a key role in dismantling the Nigerian batting line-up: Saima Tuhadeleni took 3/13 in 3.4 overs, while Mekelaye Mwatile (2/16 in 4) and Kayleen Green (2/10 in 5) applied relentless pressure. The team also executed three crucial run-outs, contributed by Khan, Wilka Mwatile and Wittmann. 

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Cricket Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Johan Muller, expressed pride in hosting the event: “Namibia is pleased to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier and to welcome seven international teams to our new home of cricket. 

This event is not only about qualification, but also about celebrating the incredible rise of women’s cricket in Africa. We hope all participants enjoy the competition and the warm hospitality our country is known for.” 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na