Namibia Beats Tanzania, Zimbabwe Defeats Kenya to Enter T20 World Cup 2026

Namibia and Zimbabwe have officially confirmed their spots in the 20-team ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Namibia and Zimbabwe have officially confirmed their spots in the 20-team ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Their qualification was secured as both teams advanced to the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Harare, where they finished undefeated in their respective groups.

Namibia, representing Group A, stormed to a 63-run victory over Tanzania in the semifinals. JJ Smit, unbeaten on 61, and skipper Gerhard Erasmus, who scored 55, steadied the innings and recovered from an early setback of 44 for one. Their 88-run partnership proved vital, and Smit also excelled with the ball, taking three wickets for 16 runs. Ben Shikongo added three wickets for 21 runs, limiting Tanzania to 111 for eight. This is Namibia’s fourth consecutive qualification for the Men’s T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe won by seven wickets against Kenya in Group B, marking their return to the tournament since 2022. Kenya set a 123-run goal, led by Rakep Patel’s 65. 

Namibia and Zimbabwe will meet off in the final at Harare Sports Club. Meanwhile, the remaining three World Cup spots will be decided at the Asia/East-Asia Pacific Qualifier in Oman in October.

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