Cricket Glory: Namibia and Zimbabwe Secure 2026 T20 World Cup Berths in African Qualifier Thriller

Namibia and Zimbabwe clinch 2026 T20 World Cup spots through dominant performances in the African Qualifier final. Key highlights include record-breaking knocks and bowling masterclasses.

African Qualifiers Deliver High-Stakes Drama

Cricket Action Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett celebrates his match-winning 51 against Kenya (Getty Images)

Harare, Zimbabwe - Continental rivals Namibia and Zimbabwe stormed into the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup after a dramatic African Qualifier tournament that culminated in Friday's decisive semi-finals.

Namibia's Resilient Comeback

  • Survived early collapse at 41-4 against Tanzania
  • Captain Gerhard Erasmus (55 off 41) and JJ Smit (61* off 43) forged 88-run partnership
  • Posted competitive 174-6 before bowling out opponents for 111
  • Smit claimed 3-16 while Shikongo took 3-21

Historic Achievement: Becomes first African nation to qualify for four consecutive T20 World Cups (2021-2026)

Zimbabwe's Redemption Arc

  • Chevrons dominated Kenya with 7-wicket victory
  • Chased 123 target in 15 overs (Bennett's 51 off 25 balls)
  • First World Cup qualification since 2022 suspension
  • Coach Dave Houghton: "This proves our cricket resurgence"

Tournament Final Preview:

  • Saturday's Namibia vs Zimbabwe clash determines African champion
  • Both teams already secure spots in 20-nation mega event
  • World Cup schedule: 7 Feb - 8 Mar 2026 (India & Sri Lanka)

Road to Glory

Team T20 WC Appearances Best Performance
Namibia 4 (2021-2026) Super 12s (2021)
Zimbabwe 7 Super 10s (2016)

Key Stat: African qualifiers contributed 2 of 12 automatic berths for 2026 edition

Next Stage: Remaining 8 World Cup slots to be decided through global qualifiers in 2025

Relation Cricket Schedule
2025-10-15 Wednesday

Colombia

08:00 International, Friendly International

Call

08:00

Canada

2025-10-17 Friday

Deportes Quindio

08:00 Colombia, Primera B - Finalización, Round 14

Call

08:00

Tigres

Sharjah SC

21:05 UAE, UAE Pro League, Round 6

Call

21:05

Al Dhafra

2025-10-19 Sunday

Fulham

00:30 England, Premier League, Round 8

Call

00:30

Arsenal

Angers

01:00 France, Ligue 1, Round 8

Call

01:00

Monaco

What to Read Next

Ireland Cricket Unveils Fresh Talent for Bangladesh Tour: Five Test Debutants Set for Historic Series
Cricket

Ireland Cricket Unveils Fresh Talent for Bangladesh Tour: Five Test Debutants Set for Historic Series

Ireland's cricket squad introduces five potential Test debutants for their upcoming tour of Bangladesh, featuring two Tests and three T20Is. With key players returning and World Cup preparations underway, the series promises strategic insights and emerging talent showcases.
By /
Paul Hutchison Steps Down as Jersey Cricket Director: End of an Era for Island’s World Cup Ambitions
Cricket

Paul Hutchison Steps Down as Jersey Cricket Director: End of an Era for Island’s World Cup Ambitions

Jersey Cricket director Paul Hutchison resigns after landmark victories, citing family reasons. Board announces strategic review during winter break as team leads ICC Challenge League.
By /
Cricket’s Olympic Return: Amy Hunter Eyes Historic Olympic Cricket Debut for Ireland in LA 2028
Cricket

Cricket’s Olympic Return: Amy Hunter Eyes Historic Olympic Cricket Debut for Ireland in LA 2028

Irish cricketer Amy Hunter discusses Ireland's path to Olympic qualification for cricket's return to the 2028 Los Angeles Games and their T20 World Cup ambitions. Learn about Europe's competitive landscape and Hunter's Olympic dreams.
By /
Jersey's Thrilling Last-Ball Victory Over Scotland Keeps T20 World Cup Dreams Alive
Cricket

Jersey's Thrilling Last-Ball Victory Over Scotland Keeps T20 World Cup Dreams Alive

Jersey clinched a dramatic one-wicket win against Scotland in the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the upcoming tournament.
By /
Gaby Lewis Shines in Ireland's Dominant Victory Over Netherlands in T20 Qualifier
Cricket

Gaby Lewis Shines in Ireland's Dominant Victory Over Netherlands in T20 Qualifier

Gaby Lewis's unbeaten 66 leads Ireland to a decisive win against the Netherlands in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier, securing a strong position in the tournament.
By /
Historic Victory: Italy Secures First-Ever T20 World Cup Berth as Jersey's Dreams Fade
Cricket

Historic Victory: Italy Secures First-Ever T20 World Cup Berth as Jersey's Dreams Fade

Italy makes history by qualifying for their first T20 World Cup, while Jersey's hopes are dashed in a thrilling European qualifier match against the Netherlands.
By /
Jersey's Cricket Triumph: A Historic Win Over Scotland
Cricket

Jersey's Cricket Triumph: A Historic Win Over Scotland

Jersey's cricket team makes history with a thrilling win over Scotland, showcasing their growing prowess on the international stage.
By /
Joe Burns Aims to Cement Legacy with Italy in T20 World Cup Qualifiers
Cricket

Joe Burns Aims to Cement Legacy with Italy in T20 World Cup Qualifiers

Joe Burns, former Australian Test cricketer, aims to lead Italy to their first T20 World Cup, creating a lasting legacy in Italian cricket.
By /
Italy Stuns Scotland to Edge Closer to T20 World Cup Qualification
Cricket

Italy Stuns Scotland to Edge Closer to T20 World Cup Qualification

Italy secures a surprising 12-run victory over Scotland, positioning themselves at the top of the Europe Regional Final group table.
By /
Netherlands Triumph Over Guernsey in T20 World Cup Qualifier
Cricket

Netherlands Triumph Over Guernsey in T20 World Cup Qualifier

Netherlands secured a dominant 73-run victory against Guernsey in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, with Max O'Dowd scoring a remarkable 92 not out.
By /
Nepal's Ascent to Test Cricket: A Dream to Conquer the Everest
Cricket

Nepal's Ascent to Test Cricket: A Dream to Conquer the Everest

Explore Nepal's ambitious journey towards achieving Test cricket status and their strategic efforts to climb the ranks in international cricket.
By /
Warren Deutrom Announces Departure as Cricket Ireland CEO After 19 Years of Transformative Leadership
Cricket

Warren Deutrom Announces Departure as Cricket Ireland CEO After 19 Years of Transformative Leadership

Warren Deutrom steps down as Cricket Ireland CEO after 19 years, leaving a legacy of achievements including Test status and plans for a new stadium.
By /
Nick Greenwood Selected for Jersey's T20 World Cup Qualifiers Despite Legal Troubles
Cricket

Nick Greenwood Selected for Jersey's T20 World Cup Qualifiers Despite Legal Troubles

Jersey Cricket selects Nick Greenwood for T20 World Cup qualifiers despite his recent legal issues, emphasizing cricketing merit and team spirit.
By /
Jofra Archer Joins Big Bash Draft with Full Availability: A Key Move for Ashes Preparation
Cricket

Jofra Archer Joins Big Bash Draft with Full Availability: A Key Move for Ashes Preparation

Jofra Archer enters the Big Bash draft with full availability, aiming to prepare for the Ashes series and impress selectors for the T20 World Cup.
By /
Exciting Showdown: England vs Sri Lanka Kicks Off Women's T20 World Cup 2026
Cricket

Exciting Showdown: England vs Sri Lanka Kicks Off Women's T20 World Cup 2026

The Women's T20 World Cup 2026 begins with a thrilling match between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. Discover the full schedule and key fixtures.
By /
Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.