The Capricorn Eagles have kept their 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup dream alive, securing a spot in the final round of qualifiers despite a loss in Saturday's Africa Qualifier final against Zimbabwe.

Namibia went into the final already assured of qualification after finishing among the top two teams on the continent. 

But against a dominant Zimbabwe side, the Eagles were outplayed in the championship match.

After being sent in to bat, skipper Sune Wittmann and Kayleen Green provided a steady start with a 27-run opening partnership. Green top-scored with 48 off 47 balls, supported by Yasmeen Khan's 23 and Meke Mwatile's 18, as Namibia posted 115 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Zimbabwe's openers, Kelis Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa, made light work of the chase. 

Their 100-run stand laid the foundation before Mupachikwa fell for 37. Ndhlovu, however, carried her bat, striking an unbeaten 70 to guide Zimbabwe to victory with three overs to spare.

Despite the defeat, the Capricorn Eagles' campaign continues. 

Namibia will now advance to the global qualifying tournament in Nepal from 12 January to 2 February next year, where they will join teams such as Scotland, Bangladesh, USA, Nepal, Thailand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. 

The ultimate prize will be a ticket to England, where the Women's T20 World Cup takes place from 12 June to 5 July 2026.