Online Reporter
JOSEPHINE Nkomo produced a devastating spell of bowling as Zimbabwe Women stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Nigeria Women at the HP Oval in Windhoek yesterday.
The result preserved Zimbabwe’s perfect record in Group A after earlier wins over Namibia and Sierra Leone and set up a semi-final clash against Uganda today.
Crucially, the victory keeps alive Zimbabwe’s bid to reach next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Nepal, with both Africa finalists guaranteed a place.
Nigeria, who won the toss and chose to bat, endured a nightmare start.
Opener Kehinde Amusa was the first to go, dismissed for a duck in the second over when she edged Nkomo behind to wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa.
Nomvelo Sibanda then bowled fellow opener Lucky Piet for another duck, before Nkomo returned to send Salome Sunday’s stumps flying for just one.
By the fourth over, Nigeria were tottering at three for three.
Nkomo’s figures were staggering: five wickets for just six runs in her four overs − a spell of precision and menace that ripped through Nigeria’s batting order.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s openers ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.
Scores
Nigeria Women – 90 all out in 19.5 overs (Sarah Etim 25, Oseyande Omonkhobio 16, Peculiar Agboya 12; Josephine Nkomo 5/6, Nomvelo Sibanda 1/7, Francisca Chipare 1/15)
Zimbabwe Women – 93-0 in 14.2 overs (Kelis Ndhlovu 44*, Modester Mupachikwa 36*)
Zimbabwe Women won by 10 wickets. −ZimCricket
