Namibia and Zimbabwe claim T20 World Cup tickets

By Daniel Beswick

Namibia have claimed qualification for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 via semi-final victory at the Africa Regional Final in Harare on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's clinical win over Kenya in the second semi-final meant they sealed the second spot in Africa on Thursday afternoon.

The results in Africa mean that only three spots from the Asia-EAP Qualifier are now up for grabs for next year's tournament.

In the first semi-final, the Eagles at one point fell to 41/4 in the fifth over, before a counter-attacking 88-run stand in 7.4 overs between the experienced pair of JJ Smit and Gerhard Erasmus moved their side ahead.

Erasmus showed the cool that has helped his side become T20 World Cup regulars, finishing with 55 from 41 balls, while the “Smit can hit” chants were once again belted for JJ, who hit four sixes in his 61 not out from 43 deliveries.

The all-rounder then continued his assertive day with the ball, removing three of Tanzania’s top five to finish with 3/16 from his four overs, stifling the Tanzanian reply.

Namibia have now qualified for the last four Men’s T20 World Cups, and will look to emulate their Super 12 success in 2021.

Zimbabwe on the other hand, ensured a qualification over Kenya with a seven-wicket win in the later fixture after Dhiren Gondaria won the toss and elected to bat.

Rakep Patel produced a stunning knock of 65 (47), though it was a solo mission on the whole as Zimbabwe's bowlers took control.

In pursuit of a modest 123, Zimbabwe made short work of the opposition bowling attack. Opener Brian Bennett took the attack to the compiling 51 runs off 25 deliveries.

The right-hander carved out an impressive six fours off Lucas Ndandason’s over to all but confirm Zimbabwe's spot in next year’s marquee tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

The Chevrons have qualified for the T20 World Cup after missing out on the previous edition in 2024.