Kelis Ndhlovu struck a scintillating unbeaten 70 to power Zimbabwe Women to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Namibia Women in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Windhoek on Saturday.
The 19-year-old opener dominated proceedings with a fluent 52-ball knock, peppered with 11 fours and a six, as Zimbabwe comfortably chased down Namibia’s 115 for seven with 21 balls to spare.
The result sealed the regional title for Zimbabwe, who, along with Namibia, had already booked their tickets to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 in Nepal by reaching the final.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Zimbabwe had to work hard early on as Namibia’s openers made a steady start.
The breakthrough came in the eighth over when Nyasha Gwanzura bowled Sune Wittmann for 11, ending a 27-run opening stand.
Kayleen Green kept the scoreboard ticking with a composed innings of 48 off 47 balls, decorated with five boundaries and two sixes.
She put on 38 in just five overs with Yasmeen Khan before falling to Loreen Tshuma, returning a catch to the bowler with Namibia well-placed at 65 for two.
Khan (23) and Mekelaye Mwatile added a further 33 runs, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers hit back strongly in the closing stages.
Khan was run out in the 16th over, sparking a collapse.
Beloved Biza then removed Wilka Mwatile for two, while Josephine Nkomo struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Mekelaye Mwatile (18) and Jurriene Diergaardt (1).
Biza returned to claim her second wicket when Mezerly Gorases was caught by Chiedza Dhururu for one, as Namibia stumbled to 115 for seven in their 20 overs.
Biza and Nkomo finished with two wickets apiece, while Tshuma and Gwanzura chipped in with one each.
Zimbabwe’s reply was nothing short of emphatic.
Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa all but sealed the contest with a commanding opening partnership worth 112 runs in 16.1 overs.
Mupachikwa played the perfect supporting role with a patient 37 from 45 balls, striking five fours before she was bowled by Saima Tuhadeleni when attempting to finish the match.
There was little left for Namibia to celebrate, as Tshuma promptly struck a boundary to complete the chase at 116 for one in 16.3 overs.
Ndhlovu walked off unbeaten, her innings underlining her growing stature as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest young stars.
With the title in the bag and a ticket to the global qualifier secured, Zimbabwe will take confidence from their dominant showing in Windhoek where they won all their five matches convincingly.
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