Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Under-19 girls defeated Tuskers by 36 runs yesterday to win the 2026 domestic T20 title ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in Tanzania.
Trevor Garwe’s side were included in the senior competition as part of their preparations for the qualifiers and won seven of their eight league matches to finish top of the standings.
Their only defeat came against second-placed Tuskers, whom they met again in the final.
After electing to bat, Zimbabwe Under-19 posted 104 for nine before restricting Tuskers to 68 for nine.
The Africa qualifiers will run from August 30 to September 5, with Zimbabwe chasing a place at the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Garwe said the competition had given his players the game time they needed before travelling to Tanzania.
“We really want to thank Zimbabwe Cricket for giving us this opportunity because we were desperate for more games,” he said.
“As we prepare for the Africa qualifiers, this is exactly what we’ve been looking for.”
Garwe said facing senior national team players had exposed his side to international-standard batting and bowling.
“This helps our girls to grow and to understand the game a lot better because they are facing international bowlers and they are bowling to international batters,” he said.
“So this is a big plus to us as coaches.”
The competition also allowed the technical team to assess the players and try different combinations.
“We’ve noticed our players have actually stepped up and they are competing with the senior franchise teams, which is good for us,” Garwe said.
He singled out Lorraine Pemiwa for her batting and bowlers Christine Mtasa and Tawana Nyasha among those who impressed during the campaign.
Garwe said qualification remained the target.
“The aim is to definitely qualify for the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
“As it stands, we are really happy because we are right on track.”
