In the upcoming 6th edition of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup Global Qualifier, Zimbabwe, aiming for their first-ever appearance in the World Cup, has received a significant boost with the announcement of a former West Indies legend as the team’s coaching consultant.
Zimbabwe has featured in the Global Qualifiers thrice, with their inaugural appearance resulting in a 6th place finish. However, in their subsequent two attempts, the team secured 3rd place. Aiming for a top-two finish to qualify for the main event scheduled for September-October in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has appointed Courtney Walsh as a coaching consultant. Walsh is already actively involved in preparing the team for the upcoming tournament.
With 746 international wickets to his name and experience captaining his national side, Courtney Walsh made a smooth transition into coaching after retiring from playing. In 2020, he took up his first assignment in women’s cricket with the West Indies team. Under his guidance, the team achieved a notable feat, reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. However, following the conclusion of the 2023 T20 World Cup, the board opted not to renew his contract.
Commenting on the appointment, ZC’s Managing Director, Givemore Makoni said, “We count ourselves fortunate and privileged to be able to bring in Courtney as a technical consultant for our campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi. He is one of the world’s greatest cricketers and we believe his experience at the highest level of the women’s game in particular will boost our chances of securing one of the two spots up for grabs at the main global showpiece later in the year.”
Zimbabwe secured their place in the global qualifier with an impressive unbeaten run in the regional qualifier. They emerged victorious in all three of their league matches and clinched victories over Namibia and Uganda in the semi-final and final, respectively. As they set their sights on the global qualifier, Zimbabwe will aim for a similar display of dominance. However, they face stiff competition from teams like Ireland, the Netherlands, hosts United Arab Emirates, and Vanuatu, all placed in Group B.
Zimbabwe’s confidence is soaring after their recent triumph at the African Games, where they secured the Gold medal with an unbeaten record. Subsequently, they also clinched a 2-1 series victory over Papua New Guinea, further bolstering their momentum. The team has received another boost with the return of fit-again Ashley Ndiraya. With Ndiraya back in the squad and the retention of the rest of the team, Zimbabwe will aim to maintain their winning streak in the upcoming tournament.
Zimbabwe’s squad for the Global Qualifier
Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Sharne Mayers, Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Chiyedza Dhururu, Loreen Tshuma, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Precious Marange, Pellagia Mujaji, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Francisca Chipare, Ashley Ndiraya
Zimbabwe’s Global Qualifier schedule
| DATE | MATCH | VENUE |
| 25-Apr-24 | v Vanuatu | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| 27-Apr-24 | v United Arab Emirates | Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi |
| 29-Apr-24 | v Ireland | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| 01-May-24 | v Netherlands | Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi |
| 05-May-24 | Semi-Final | Abu Dhabi |
| 07-May-24 | Final | Abu Dhabi |