Namibia has become the latest team to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from the Africa region, brushing aside Tanzania with a dominant semi-final performance in Harare to reach the global showcase event.
The win not only sealed their ticket to the global event but also marked their fourth appearance at the tournament, having previously featured in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 editions.
Asked to bat first, Namibia posted a formidable 174 for 6, thanks to a rescue act by captain Gerhard Erasmus and all-rounder JJ Smit. After a shaky start that saw four wickets tumble in the powerplay, Erasmus (55 off 41) and Smit (61* off 43) rebuilt the innings with aggressive strokeplay, turning the tide in Namibia’s favor.
Smit then starred with the ball, picking up three wickets for 16 as Tanzania fell 63 runs short despite batting out their overs.
Namibia’s qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup means 16 of the 20 teams have now been confirmed.
| India | Australia | Ireland | Italy | Sri Lanka |
| Bangladesh | New Zealand | Netherlands | Afghanistan | England |
| Pakistan | Namibia | United States | South Africa | Canada |
| West Indies |
Namibia will be joined at the World Cup by either Kenya or Zimbabwe, who will face off in the other semi-final. South Africa had already qualified directly, rounding out the African contingent. The three remaining teams will come from Asia-Pacific qualifier.
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