Zimbabwe women recall Dhururu, Chare for West Indies home series
Synopsis
Zimbabwe women have recalled wicketkeeper Chiedza Dhururu and teenage leg-spinner Olinder Chare for their West Indies home series — their debut ICC Women's Championship assignment. With a maiden India tour to follow in October, this is the busiest and most consequential stretch in Zimbabwe women's cricket history.
Key Takeaways
Chiedza Dhururu and Olinder Chare recalled to the 16-member Zimbabwe women's squad for the West Indies series announced on 23 September 2026 .
Josephine Nkomo captains the side after veteran Mary-Anne Musonda 's retirement.
Lorraine Pemhiwa , Lindokuhle Mabhera dropped; Loreen Tshuma out with injury.
Three ODIs at Harare Sports Club on 24, 27, 30 September; three T20Is at Takashinga Cricket Club on 3, 5, 7 October.
Series is part of Zimbabwe's debut ICC Women's Championship campaign.
Zimbabwe women's maiden India tour follows in October, with matches in Raipur and Vadodara .
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 announced the recall of wicketkeeper-batter Chiedza Dhururu and 19-year-old leg-spinner Olinder Chare to the 16-member Zimbabwe women's squad for the upcoming home ODI and T20I series against West Indies. The series carries additional significance as it forms part of Zimbabwe's debut campaign in the ICC Women's Championship.
Key Selection Changes
The squad will be captained by all-rounder Josephine Nkomo, who assumed full-time leadership following the retirement of veteran Mary-Anne Musonda. Selectors made three changes from the side that recently faced South Africa at home in Bulawayo: Lorraine Pemhiwa and Lindokuhle Mabhera have been dropped, while Loreen Tshuma misses out through injury.
Dhururu last represented Zimbabwe during their tour of New Zealand earlier this year, while Chare made her T20I debut against Pakistan in May. Notably, 20-year-old right-arm fast bowler Kudzai Chigora has been named exclusively in the ODI squad, and seam bowler Francisca Chipare will feature solely in the T20I setup.
Series Schedule and Venues
The three-match ODI series, which counts towards the ICC Women's Championship, will be hosted at the Harare Sports Club on 24, 27, and 30 September. The T20I leg — also a three-match series — then shifts to the Takashinga Cricket Club, with matches scheduled for 3, 5, and 7 October.
Zimbabwe's Packed International Calendar
This series sits within a demanding stretch for Zimbabwe women. Having already toured New Zealand and Pakistan, the team now hosts West Indies before embarking on their maiden tour of India next month. In India, they will play three T20Is on 16, 18, and 20 October at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, followed by three ODIs on 23, 25, and 28 October at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
This is the first time Zimbabwe women have featured in the ICC Women's Championship, underscoring the programme's rapid expansion and the rising global footprint of women's cricket.
Full Squad
Josephine Nkomo (captain), Beloved Biza, Chiedza Dhururu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Christina Mutasa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Loryn Phiri, Michelle Mavunga, Modester Mupachikwa, Nomvelo Sibanda, Nyasha Gwanzura, Olinder Chare, Sharne Mayers, Tendai Makusha, Kudzai Chigora (ODIs only), and Francisca Chipare (T20Is only).
With the India tour to follow immediately after, the West Indies series doubles as both a championship fixture and a preparatory block for what promises to be a landmark assignment for Zimbabwe women's cricket.
Point of View
Not just a scheduling footnote — it signals the ICC's deliberate widening of the elite women's programme beyond traditional powers. The recall of Dhururu and the elevation of 19-year-old Chare point to a squad in transition, blending experience with youth under a new captain. The back-to-back series against West Indies and then India in October will be the sternest early test of whether Nkomo's leadership and the selectors' bold calls hold up under pressure.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have Chiedza Dhururu and Olinder Chare been recalled to Zimbabwe's squad?
Dhururu and Chare were recalled by Zimbabwe's selectors for the upcoming home series against West Indies as part of three changes from the squad that recently faced South Africa. Dhururu last played for Zimbabwe during their New Zealand tour, while Chare made her T20I debut against Pakistan in May 2026.
When and where is the Zimbabwe vs West Indies women's series taking place?
The three-match ODI series runs on 24, 27, and 30 September at the Harare Sports Club. The three T20Is follow on 3, 5, and 7 October at the Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare.
What is the ICC Women's Championship and why does this series matter?
The ICC Women's Championship is the primary qualification pathway for the ICC Women's ODI World Cup. Zimbabwe are participating in it for the first time, making this West Indies series a landmark moment for their women's programme.
Who is captaining Zimbabwe women and why is there a new skipper?
All-rounder Josephine Nkomo is the new full-time captain after veteran Mary-Anne Musonda retired. Nkomo had already taken over leadership duties and now holds the role on a permanent basis.
What is Zimbabwe women's upcoming schedule after the West Indies series?
Following the West Indies series, Zimbabwe women will embark on their maiden tour of India. They will play three T20Is on 16, 18, and 20 October at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, followed by three ODIs on 23, 25, and 28 October at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
