Uganda’s Victoria Pearls saw their hopes of reaching the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier crushed after losing to Zimbabwe by five wickets in the Africa Qualifier semi-final at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Batting first, Uganda managed 119/7 in 20 overs. The Pearls struggled to accelerate as Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling kept them quiet and denied key partnerships.
Zimbabwe chased the target calmly, reaching 120/5 in 17.4 overs. Nyasha Gwanzura provided the spark with a quickfire 17 off six balls, including two towering sixes, earning her the Player of the Match award.
The win kept Zimbabwe unbeaten and booked their place in the final against hosts Namibia, who defeated Tanzania by eight wickets in the other semi-final. Both teams have secured spots in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
The Global Qualifier will feature 10 teams ; Zimbabwe, Namibia, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, Bangladesh, the United States, Nepal, Thailand, and the East-Asia Pacific Qualifier winner. Only the top four will advance to the 2026 World Cup in England.
For Uganda, the defeat ends their campaign, forcing the Victoria Pearls to wait for another chance to keep their World Cup dream alive.
However they will once again face Tanzania in the third place playoff at the tournament on Friday at the Namibia Cricket Ground.
