Zimbabwe completed the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa qualifier unbeaten, defeating hosts Namibia by nine wickets in the final on Saturday. 

Both finalists have secured places at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifier 2026 in Nepal.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe elected to field first and restricted Namibia to 115 runs. Despite a solid start from Namibia’s top order, the middle order faltered as wickets fell at key intervals. 

In response, Zimbabwe’s openers Modester Mupachikwa and Kelis Ndhlovu dominated the chase, nearly carrying their side through the innings. Namibia’s Saima Tuhadeleni broke the partnership in the 16th over, but Zimbabwe reached their target in 16.3 overs.

Zimbabwe captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano said: “We are very excited to qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier. The team has done well, taking every game as it came. I am proud of how the girls carried themselves throughout the tournament. It feels good to win, but there is still a lot of work to be done before Nepal. There are positives we take from this event, and we are also looking forward to new players from our pathways putting their hands up for selection.”

For hosts Namibia, qualification marks a major achievement at this level. 

The Capricorn Eagles impressed at home throughout the tournament, claiming key victories to secure their place in Nepal. Namibia captain, Suné Wittmann, reflected: “Although we didn’t start well against Zimbabwe in our opening game, it was crucial for us to beat the other teams to ensure qualification. It has been a tough journey, and we are proud to see our hard work rewarded.”

In the third-place play-off Tanzania edged Uganda by 6 runs, to claim the spot. Batting first, Tanzania posted 109/5, powered by Hudaa Omary’s 45 and Neema Pius’ 33. Uganda’s chase was anchored by Esther Iloku’s 45, but they fell short at 103 all out, with Nasra Saidi taking 3/20 and earning the Player of the Match award for her bowling.

In the fifth place play off, Rwanda Women narrowly defeated Kenya Women by six runs, defending a modest total of 122/5. Marie Bimenyimana (33) and Gisele Ishimwe (26) anchored Rwanda’s innings, while Queentor Abel starred for Kenya with a brisk 62. In the tense finish, Henriette Ishimwe’s 3/30 with the ball helped Rwanda hold their nerve, earning her Player of the Match honors. Kenya finished at 116/6, just six runs short of the target.

In the seventh-place playoff, Nigeria dominated Sierra Leone scoring 85 runs in the process. Opting to bat first, Nigeria scored a commanding 159/4, led by Piety Lucky 92 (60). Sierra Leone struggled in response, finishing at 74/9.

Cricket Namibia chief executive officer, Johan Muller, added: “Congratulations to every player, coach, and country that competed in the Africa Qualifier. Zimbabwe showcased strong cricket throughout and deserve recognition for their performance. For Namibia, it was a privilege to host this tournament at our new home ground, and we are delighted to have qualified for the Global qualifier.”

Nigeria’s Piety Lucky was named Player of the Tournament following an outstanding all-round display. With the bat, she dominated opposition attacks, scoring 198 runs from just 140 deliveries, which included 25 boundaries and 8 sixes. Her consistency with the ball was equally impressive, finishing with seven wickets for 54 runs across five matches, maintaining a miserly economy rate of 4.91.

Lucky’s performances made her one of the standout stars of the Africa Qualifier, underlining her impact as both a leading run-scorer and a key wicket-taker.