The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka next year. Namibia and Zimbabwe won the semifinals of the Africa Regional Final in Harare, securing their spots in the tournament. Namibia beat Tanzania in the first semifinal, and Zimbabwe beat Kenya in the second. These two wins earned Africa’s two spots in the tournament, which will take place in February and March 2026.
There was a lot at stake in the semifinals because only the winners would go to the World Cup. Namibia got back on track after a bad start with the bat, and Zimbabwe sent a strong message before the main event by efficiently chasing a low score.
In the first semifinal, Namibia was down to 41/4 against Tanzania in the fifth over, but JJ Smit and Gerhard Erasmus put together an 88-run stand. With 55 off 41 balls, Erasmus led the middle order, and Smit remained unbeaten on 61 off 43 balls, hitting four sixes. Smit also contributed with the ball.
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In four overs, the all-rounder took three wickets for 16 runs, including three of Tanzania’s top five batters. With everyone’s help, Namibia qualified for the Men’s T20 World Cup for the fourth year in a row, following their Super 12 campaign in 2021.
In the second semifinal, Zimbabwe’s captain Dhiren Gondaria won the toss and chose to bat first. Rakep Patel made 65 off 47 balls for Kenya, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers restricted them to 123. Brian Bennett hit a quick 51 off 25 balls, including six fours off Lucas Ndandason in a crucial over. This powered Zimbabwe back to the T20 World Cup after missing 2024.
The Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier for next year’s tournament has now filled two spots, leaving only three spots open. Namibia looks to build its reputation as a regular participant, while Zimbabwe aims to bounce back after their 2024 absence.
