After Namibia, Zimbabwe Confirm Qualification For 2026 T20 World Cup

After agonizingly missing out on the 2024 T20WC at the Caribbean, Zimbabwe are back in the big stage again as they’ve sealed qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India & Sri Lanka. They’ve beaten Kenya in the second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Region Final to become the 17th team to qualify for the mega event. Earlier today, Namibia became the 16th team to qualify as they beat Tanzania to qualify for the T20WC for a fourth straight edition.

Dominant and untouchable in the group stages, Zimbabwe showcased the same dominance today in the semi-final as well, as they restricted Kenya to 122 and then chased the total down with seven wickets and five overs to spare. Once again, young Brian Bennett led the charge as he pummelled a 25-ball 51 at the top of the order to kill the chase. 

It was a collective effort with the ball in hand, but pacer Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 2/19 off his 4 overs. Now Zimbabwe will take on Namibia in the final of ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Region Final on October 4 (Saturday), but both teams have already sealed their spot in next year’s mega event.

Zimbabwe, as mentioned above, are the 17th team to qualify for the mega event. The other teams are India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, Netherlands and Namibia. The last three spots will be decided at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2025.

The 2026 T20WC is expected to be played across February and March 2026, and it will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.