Namibia and Zimbabwe have booked their places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after winning their semi-final clashes at the Africa Regional Final in Harare on Thursday.
In the first semi-final, Namibia defeated Tanzania to claim qualification. The Eagles were in trouble at 41/4 before JJ Smit and Gerhard Erasmus steadied the innings with an 88-run partnership. Erasmus scored 55 off 41 balls, while Smit smashed 61 not out off 43 deliveries. Smit then starred with the ball as well, taking 3/16 to dismantle Tanzania’s batting order.
Zimbabwe sealed the second qualification spot with a seven-wicket win over Kenya later in the day. Rakep Patel’s 65 off 47 was the lone highlight for Kenya as they were restricted to 122. Brian Bennett led Zimbabwe’s reply with a blistering 51 off 25 balls, ensuring a comfortable chase.
Namibia have now qualified for their fourth straight T20 World Cup, while Zimbabwe return after missing the 2024 edition.
With the African qualifiers decided, only three spots remain from the Asia-EAP pathway for next year’s tournament in India and Sri Lanka.