Namibia and Zimbabwe have both clinched qualification to the 2026 T20 World Cup by reaching the final of the continental event in Harare. Namibia secured their qualification by winning their semi‑final match in the Africa Regional Final. They beat Tanzania by 63 runs in Harare. The star of the show for Namibia was JJ Smit, who played a match‑winning role with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 43 balls, hitting four sixes and taking 3/16 with the ball. Asked to bat, Namibia recovered from early setbacks to post 174 for 6. Captain Gerhard Erasmus anchored the innings with 55 off 41 balls, while JJ Smit provided the fireworks with an unbeaten 61 off 43.
In the chase, Tanzania never really threatened, with Namibia’s bowlers applying pressure throughout. Smit returned in his bowling spell to claim 3 for 16, and Ben Shikongo chipped in with 3 for 21 to limit Tanzania to 111/8 in 20 overs. This marks Namibia’s fourth successive T20 World Cup qualification, having featured in 2021, 2022, and 2024 editions.
Meanwhile, hosts Zimbabwe cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Kenya in the second semi‑final to qualify for the first time since 2022. Zimbabwe overcame a massive challenge posed by Kenya. Deciding to bat, Kenya managed 122/6 in 20 overs, propelled by a strong knock from Rakep Patel, who smashed 65 off 47 balls. However, in the run chase, Zimbabwe made light work of the target, reaching 123 in just 15 overs, with Brian Bennett top scoring with 51 off 25.