HARARE – Zimbabwe secured their qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a seven-wicket win against Kenya after Dhiren Gondaria won the toss and elected to bat at the Harare Sports Club.
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, with opener Brian Bennett taking to the attack and compiling 51 runs off 25 deliveries.
The right-hander carved out six fours off Lucas Ndandason’s over to all but confirm his side’s spot in next year’s tournament in India and Sri Lanka, bouncing back after missing out on the previous edition in 2024.
Namibia were the other qualifiers from the Africa Regional Final after their 63-run victory over Tanzania in Harare.
Namibia 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.
South Africa, who have already qualified, will be the third team from Africa at the World Cup.
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