Zimbabwe Women name 17-member squad for T20I series against South Africa

Zimbabwe Women have named a 17-member squad for a five-match T20I series against South Africa, with all matches to be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The fixtures are scheduled for September 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19, with the series concluding on September 19.

Josephine Nkomo has been named captain for the series. She had been sidelined during Zimbabwe’s white-ball tour to Pakistan in May, and her return to lead the side is among the headline developments in the selection. Sharne Mayers, who brings 33 T20I caps to the squad, is also back in the national set-up after a two-year absence, as is all-rounder Nyasha Gwanzura. Experienced campaigners Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Loreen Tshuma and Loryn Phiri have been retained.

Three players who represented Zimbabwe at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 in Dar es Salaam have been promoted to the senior squad. Lorraine Pemhiwa, who captained the Under-19 side at that tournament, joins Beloved Biza and Christina Mutasa in earning their senior call-ups. The series will also mark the first assignment for newly appointed Zimbabwe Women head coach Mark Coles.

What does hosting South Africa mean for Zimbabwe Women’s development?

Zimbabwe Women’s most recent home series before this one came against the United Arab Emirates at Queens Sports Club in September-October 2025. South Africa represent a considerably higher level of opposition, and the five-match format spread across nine days at the same venue gives the squad sustained exposure against stronger competition.

The selection of three Under-19 players alongside established names such as Mayers and Gwanzura points to a dual objective, remaining competitive across the series while beginning to build a deeper pool of senior-experienced players for future assignments.

Why does Sharne Mayers’ recall stand out in this squad?

Mayers’ return after two years away from the national set-up is one of the more significant selection calls in this squad. Her 33 T20I caps make her one of the more experienced players in the group, and her reintegration alongside returning all-rounder Gwanzura adds options for the new coaching staff.

With five matches across nine days, Mayers and the other returning players will have multiple opportunities to find form and re-establish themselves at senior level. For Coles, managing a squad that blends experienced returnees with three Under-19 graduates will be an early test of his approach as head coach.

Zimbabwe Women squad for T20I series against South Africa

Josephine Nkomo (Captain), Beloved Biza, Kudzai Chigora, Francesca Chipare, Nyasha Gwanzura, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Tendai Makusha, Michelle Mavunga, Sharne Mayers, Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Christina Mutasa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Loryn Phiri, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma