Zimbabwe Women have welcomed back captain Josephine Nkomo and experienced batter Sharne Mayers as they prepare for a historic five-match T20I series against South Africa Women at home. The series, beginning on September 11, will also mark the start of a new era under head coach Mark Coles.
Josephine Nkomo set to lead Zimbabwe in the T20I battle against Proteas
Nkomo returns to the Zimbabwe squad after missing the team’s white-ball tour of Pakistan in May because of injury. The seam-bowling allrounder had previously been appointed captain but was unavailable for the Pakistan series. The 69-time T20I and 18-time ODI player will now finally get the opportunity to lead Zimbabwe on the international stage. Her return provides the team with valuable experience as they prepare to face one of the strongest sides in women’s cricket. Left-arm medium-pacer Nomvelo Sibanda, who captained Zimbabwe during their tour of Pakistan, has also retained her place in the squad.
Sharne Mayers returns after two-year absence
One of the biggest inclusions is the return of Mayers. The experienced batter has been brought back into the setup after a lengthy absence from international cricket. Mayers, who has played 33 T20Is and 13 ODIs for Zimbabwe, last represented her country in October 2024. Her comeback adds another layer of experience to a squad that contains a mixture of established internationals and promising youngsters.
Zimbabwe have also recalled several familiar faces, with Nyasha Gwanzura, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Loreen Tshuma and Loryn Phiri included in the 17-member group.
3 Under-19 players included in the squad
The selectors have also continued to invest in the next generation by naming three players from Zimbabwe’s Under-19 setup. Lorraine Pemhiwa, Beloved Biza and Christina Mutasa have all earned places in the senior squad. Their inclusion gives the younger players an opportunity to gain experience alongside some of Zimbabwe’s more established international cricketers. The squad therefore combines several experienced campaigners with emerging talent, offering Zimbabwe plenty of options ahead of the series.
The upcoming series carries added significance as South Africa Women will tour Zimbabwe for the first time. The two teams have only met twice previously, with both encounters coming during a quadrangular ODI tournament in South Africa in 2017.
All five T20Is will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, giving Zimbabwe home advantage throughout the series. The fixtures will also represent Zimbabwe’s first home international assignment since their bilateral series against the United Arab Emirates in October 2025.
Zimbabwe squad for T20I series vs 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, Loreen Tshuma
Also READ: South Africa unveil strong 15-member squad for historic Women’s T20I series against Zimbabwe
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
