Uganda Women take on Zimbabwe Women today in Windhoek, Namibia, in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Division One Qualifier, with a spot in the final and progression to the 2026 Global Qualifier in Nepal on the line.
The Victoria Pearls arrive with confidence after strong group-stage performances. Wins over Kenya and Rwanda, and a narrow one-run loss to Tanzania, have underlined their growing depth.
Esther Iloku’s steady 49 against Tanzania and Rita Musamali’s late fireworks of 27 not out from 15 balls gave a glimpse of their batting firepower. Janet Mbabazi also starred with an unbeaten 62 in the tense chase against Kenya.
Zimbabwe, unbeaten in Group A, qualified top with convincing victories over Nigeria and hosts Namibia.
Their campaign has been driven by the experience of Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, who anchors the batting, alongside Modester Mupachikwa’s grit at the top of the order. All-rounder Josephine Nkomo has contributed runs and wickets, while spinner Loreen Tshuma has consistently picked breakthroughs.
The match is expected to be a clash of styles: Uganda’s attacking batting led by Iloku, Musamali, and Mbabazi against Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Both sides are evenly matched, and small moments—a sharp catch, a direct hit, or a nerveless finish—could decide who secures a place in the final and a ticket to the Global Qualifier.
