Zimbabwe and Namibia Secure Spots in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabwe and Namibia have successfully qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, which will be held in Nepal early next year. This is a major milestone for both teams as:

  • The event will feature ten teams battling for four qualification slots.
  • The 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England is scheduled for June and July.

Neither Zimbabwe nor Namibia have previously participated in a Women’s World Cup in any format, underscoring the magnitude of their achievement.

They join Bangladesh, Ireland, Thailand, Nepal, and the United States, all of whom have already confirmed their participation in the global qualifying tournament. The remaining three teams will be determined through ongoing regional competitions, with two coming from Europe and one from the East Asia-Pacific region.

Zimbabwe clinched their qualification by defeating Uganda in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Division One Qualifier in Windhoek on Thursday.

Namibia followed suit by triumphing over Tanzania in the second semi-final, setting up a Southern Africa final showdown on September 6.

The Global Qualifier will divide the ten teams into two groups of five. The top six teams will progress to the Super Six stage, culminating in the final matches.

Matches will take place from January 12 to February 2 at the Lower Mulpani Cricket Stadium and Upper Mulpani Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.

The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will expand to include 12 teams, an increase from 10 in 2024. Defending champions New Zealand will aim to defend their title after their victory over South Africa in last year’s final in Dubai.

The tournament will employ a group-stage and knockout format, with two groups of six leading to the semi-finals and the final at Lord’s.

The 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is slated to be held in England from June to July 5, 2026, with the host nation beginning their campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12.

This 24-day tournament will consist of 33 matches played across seven notable venues: Edgbaston, The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, Bristol County Ground, and Lord’s.