Dubai, September 5, 2025: Zimbabwe and Namibia have clinched spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, to be staged in Nepal early next year, marking a historic step forward for women’s cricket in Southern Africa.
The Global Qualifier (January 12 – February 2, 2026) will feature 10 teams battling for four slots at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
Neither Zimbabwe nor Namibia have previously appeared in a Women’s World Cup in any format, making this qualification a breakthrough. They now join Bangladesh, Ireland, Thailand, Nepal, and the United States, who have already secured their places.
Three more teams will emerge from ongoing qualifiers — two from Europe and one from the East Asia-Pacific region.
Zimbabwe booked their ticket after defeating Uganda in the first semi-final of the Africa Region Qualifier in Windhoek on Thursday. Namibia followed by beating Tanzania in the second semi-final, setting up an all-Southern African final on September 6.
The Global Qualifier will see teams divided into two groups of five, with the top three from each pool advancing to the Super Six stage, before the semi-finals and final in Kathmandu. Matches will be played at the Lower Mulpani and Upper Mulpani Cricket Stadiums.
The 2026 edition in England will be the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the first to feature 12 teams, expanding from 10 in 2024.
- Hosts England will open their campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12.
- The 33-match tournament will run for 24 days, across seven iconic venues: Edgbaston, The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, Bristol County Ground, and Lord’s.
- Defending champions New Zealand will attempt to retain their crown after defeating South Africa in the 2024 final in Dubai.
The final will be held at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, adding prestige to the landmark expanded edition.
