Josephine Nkomo to captain Zimbabwe in five-match T20I series against South Africa

Zimbabwe Women have welcomed back captain Josephine Nkomo and veteran batter Sharne Mayers as they prepare for a landmark five-match T20I series against South Africa Women at home. The campaign begins on September 11 and will also introduce Mark Coles as head coach, heralding a new chapter for Zimbabwe cricket.

Nkomo ready to lead Zimbabwe against South Africa

Nkomo returns to the Zimbabwe squad after missing the team’s white-ball tour of Pakistan in May because of injury. The seam-bowling all-rounder had previously been appointed captain but was unavailable for that series. With 69 T20Is and 18 ODIs to her name, the experienced player will now lead Zimbabwe internationally. Her return adds considerable knowledge and stability to a squad preparing to face one of women’s cricket’s strongest teams. Left-arm medium-pacer Nomvelo Sibanda, who captained Zimbabwe during the Pakistan tour, has also retained her place.

Mayers returns after a two-year international absence

A major selection announcement is the recall of Mayers following her extended absence from international cricket. The accomplished batter has represented Zimbabwe in 33 T20Is and 13 ODIs and last played for the country in October 2024. Her return strengthens a squad balancing established internationals with emerging talent.

Zimbabwe have also restored several familiar names to the 17-player squad, including Nyasha Gwanzura, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Loreen Tshuma and Loryn Phiri.

Young talent earns senior squad places

The selectors have continued their focus on developing Zimbabwe’s next generation by selecting three players from the country’s Under-19 setup. Lorraine Pemhiwa, Beloved Biza and Christina Mutasa have all been promoted to the senior squad, giving them the chance to learn alongside more experienced internationals. The mix of seasoned players and young prospects provides Zimbabwe with a range of options ahead of the series.

The tour is particularly significant because South Africa Women will visit Zimbabwe for the first time. The teams have met only twice before, both during a quadrangular ODI tournament in South Africa in 2017.

All five T20Is will be staged at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, giving Zimbabwe home advantage throughout the series. The fixtures will also be the country’s first home international assignment since its bilateral series against the United Arab Emirates in October 2025.

Zimbabwe squad for the 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 and Loreen Tshuma

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