Zimbabwe, Namibia Qualify for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier

Zimbabwe and Namibia have secured their spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, marking a significant step towards their potential debut at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026. Both teams advanced by reaching the final of the Africa Region Division One Qualifier held in Windhoek, Namibia.

Zimbabwe earned their qualification by defeating Uganda in the first semi-final, while hosts Namibia overcame Tanzania in the second semi-final on Thursday. The two sides will now face off in the regional final on September 6.

This achievement puts both nations just one stage away from making history, as neither Zimbabwe nor Namibia have ever qualified for a Women’s World Cup in any format.

They join Bangladesh, Ireland, Thailand, Nepal, and the USA in the ten-team global qualifier, scheduled to be held in Nepal from January 12 to February 2, 2026. The remaining three spots will be filled by two teams from the Europe regional qualifier and one from the East Asia-Pacific qualifier.

The Global Qualifier will feature ten teams divided into two groups of five. The top six will progress to the Super Six stage, leading to the final and four coveted spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in England during June and July. For the first time, the T20 World Cup will feature 12 teams, up from ten in the 2024 edition.

New Zealand are the reigning champions, having clinched the title by defeating South Africa in the 2024 final held in Dubai.

The Global Qualifier matches will be hosted at the Lower Mulpani and Upper Mulpani Cricket Stadiums in Kathmandu.