Zimbabwe Women have named a 15-member squad for their historic white-ball tour of India, which will mark the first bilateral series between the two countries. Josephine Nkomo will captain the team as Zimbabwe look to build on their recent progress in international cricket.
The tour will consist of three T20Is followed by three ODIs, with the ODI leg counting towards the ICC Women’s Championship. The T20I matches are scheduled for October 16, 18 and 20 at Nava Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The teams will then travel to Vadodara’s Baroda Cricket Association Stadium for the ODIs on October 23, 25 and 28.
Zimbabwe will head into the series with increased confidence after securing a historic victory over West Indies Women at Harare Sports Club. The four-wicket win marked the team’s first-ever triumph against West Indies and its maiden victory in the ICC Women’s Championship.
HISTORIC WIN OVER WEST INDIES BOOSTS ZIMBABWE’S CONFIDENCE
The landmark result demonstrated Zimbabwe’s ability to challenge more established international teams. Their disciplined bowling, energetic fielding and composure during a demanding run chase helped the hosts seal a memorable victory.
Nyasha Gwanzura was instrumental in the win, delivering career-best figures of four wickets for 33 runs to lead Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. She has retained her place in the squad, alongside Michelle Mavunga and Francisca Chipare, as the team prepares to take on India.
The batting line-up features Modester Mupachikwa, Sharne Mayers, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza, giving Zimbabwe a combination of experience and flexibility throughout the order. Captain Nkomo and Nomvelo Sibanda will also contribute valuable international experience.
The six-match series will provide a significant test for Zimbabwe against a strong Indian team, especially in the ODI format, where crucial Championship points will be available. The T20Is will give the visitors an early chance to evaluate team combinations and build momentum before turning their attention to the longer white-ball format.
For Zimbabwe, the tour is about more than simply playing another international series. Their recent breakthrough against West Indies reflects the progress the team has made, while the historic contest against India offers another opportunity to assess its development against high-quality opposition.
Under Nkomo’s leadership, Zimbabwe will aim to carry the confidence gained from their landmark victory into the series and make the most of this important milestone in their cricketing journey.
Zimbabwe Women squad for India tour
Josephine Nkomo (Captain), Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, Michelle Mavunga, Francisca Chipare, Olinder Chare, Kudzai Chigora, Nyasha Gwanzura, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loryn Phiri, Chiyedza Dhururu, Modester Mupachikwa, Tendai Makusha and Sharne Mayers.
