HARARE, Zimbabwe – Namibia and Zimbabwe have qualified for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after reaching the final of the African regional qualifiers in Harare.

Namibia booked their place with a 63-run victory over Tanzania in Thursday’s first semi-final, ensuring a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance. Later in the day, hosts Zimbabwe defeated Kenya by seven wickets, sealing their return to the global stage for the first time since 2022.

Namibia’s Strong Start

After slipping to 41-4, Namibia were rescued by a crucial 88-run stand between captain Gerhard Erasmus (55 off 41) and JJ Smit (61 not out off 43), guiding them to 174-6.
In the bowling attack, Smit starred again with 3-16, while Ben Shikongo added 3-21, restricting Tanzania to 111-8.

Namibia, who famously upset the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland on their 2021 World Cup debut, will now look to improve on disappointing early exits in 2022 and 2024.

Zimbabwe’s Comfortable Win

In the second semi-final, Kenya elected to bat and posted 122-6, with Rakep Patel top scoring 65 off 47 balls.
Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett responded with a blistering 51 off just 25 deliveries, powering the Chevrons to their target with five overs to spare.

Looking Ahead

The two finalists will meet in Saturday’s qualifier final, but both sides are already assured of their tickets to the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March.