Zimbabwe's Josephine Nkomo Returns as Captain for T20I Series

Josephine Nkomo has been reinstated as the captain of the Zimbabwe women's cricket team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, beginning September 11. This will be her first time leading the team after missing the previous tour to Pakistan due to an injury sustained shortly after her appointment as captain.

Nkomo, a seam-bowling allrounder with 69 T20I and 18 ODI caps, is joined by seasoned batter Sharne Mayers, who returns to the squad after a two-year hiatus. Mayers has played 33 T20Is and 13 ODIs for Zimbabwe, last appearing in an international match in October 2024. The squad also includes Nomvelo Sibanda, who captained the team during the Pakistan tour.

The Zimbabwean squad is a blend of youth and experience, featuring notable players such as Nyasha Gwanzura, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Loreen Tshuma, and Loryn Phiri. Additionally, the team will see the inclusion of three Under-19 players: Lorraine Pemhiwa, Beloved Biza, and Christina Mutasa, showcasing the country's commitment to nurturing young talent.

This series will be significant as it marks the first time South Africa's women's team tours Zimbabwe. Historically, the two teams have met only twice, during a quadrangular ODI series in South Africa back in 2017. The upcoming matches will also be Zimbabwe's first home games since their bilateral series against the UAE in October 2025, making it a highly anticipated event for local fans.

Looking ahead, the series will be conducted under the guidance of new head coach Mark Coles, who aims to build a competitive team. The matches will take place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, and the cricketing community is eager to see how the Zimbabwean side performs against their South African counterparts.