Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE Women’s Head Coach Walter Chawaguta believes the United Arab Emirates tour for a white-ball series in Bulawayo starting next week is crucial for the team’s global qualifier preparations.
The two sides will clash in four one-day internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20 internationals (T20Is).
That tour will get underway with a 50-over warm-up match against a Zimbabwe ‘A’ Women’s side at Bulawayo Athletic Club on Wednesday, 24 September.
“The UAE series is very important to us and it fits perfectly in our plans as we prepare for the Global Qualifier early next year,” said Chawaguta.
“It gives us the momentum that we need as a team and, at the same time, it also gives us an opportunity to look at some of the players who have been out due to injury and are now making a comeback.”
The official series begins with the first ODI between Zimbabwe Women and UAE Women at Queens Sports Club on Friday, 26 September, before the other three ODIs take place at the same venue on 28 and 30 September and 2 October.
The teams will then switch to the shortest format for two T20Is scheduled for 5 and 6 October, also at Queens Sports Club.
“The timing is also good because it allows us enough space after the series to regroup and address any issues that may have come up.
“UAE are a good side, with strong batters and bowlers, and they will challenge us as we get ready for the Qualifier.”
The series comes on the back of Zimbabwe Women’s triumph at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier held in Namibia earlier this month, a victory that sealed their place at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 set for January-February in Nepal.
That tournament represents the final hurdle towards qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Beyond the T20 Global Qualifier, the UAE series forms a vital part of Zimbabwe Women’s build-up to their historic debut in the ICC Women’s Championship, where they will face New Zealand away in February-March 2026.
Zimbabwe Women were included in the prestigious ICC Women’s Championship for the first time following the tournament’s expansion from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024.
Now in its fourth edition, the Championship serves as the primary qualification pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029. – Zimpapers Sports Hub/ Zimbabwe Cricket
