Zimbabwe and Namibia have confirmed their places in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, scheduled for early next year in Nepal. The tournament, which runs from January 12 to February 2 in Kathmandu, will feature ten teams competing for four available spots in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England. For both Zimbabwe and Namibia, this marks a significant achievement, as neither team has ever qualified for a women’s World Cup in any format.
The pair secured qualification through the Africa Region Division One Qualifier in Windhoek. Zimbabwe booked their ticket by defeating Uganda in the first semi-final, while Namibia overcame Tanzania in the second semi-final. The two sides will now face each other in the Africa regional qualifier final on September 6, although both have already achieved the larger prize—entry into the global stage.
They join Bangladesh, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Thailand, Nepal, and the USA, who have already secured their places in the global qualifier. The tenth and final team will be decided through the East Asia-Pacific regional qualifier, which begins on September 9 in Fiji.
The format of the global qualifier involves ten teams split into two groups of five. The top three from each group will progress to the Super Six stage, followed by the final that will determine the overall winner. All matches will be held at the Lower Mulpani and Upper Mulpani Cricket Stadiums in Kathmandu.
The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will feature 12 teams for the first time, expanding from 10 in the 2024 edition. Defending champions New Zealand will look to retain their crown, having defeated South Africa in the final in Dubai last year. The event promises fresh opportunities for emerging sides to make history.
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