By Aakash Biswas,News18
Copyright news18
Namibia qualified for the men’s T20 World Cup 2026, becoming the first team to secure a spot from the Africa qualifiers. They defeated Tanzania in their semi-final match in Harare on Thursday. They will be joined at the World Cup by either Kenya or Zimbabwe, who will compete in the other semi-final. South Africa is the third African team at the World Cup, having qualified directly.
This will be Namibia’s fourth appearance at the men’s T20 World Cup, following their participation in the 2021 (Super 12s) and 2022 (group stage) editions, as well as the 2024 (group stage) edition.
JJ Smit starred with the bat, leading Namibia to a 63-run victory. The 29-year-old scored an unbeaten 61 and took 3-16 in the African qualifier. Hosts Zimbabwe and Kenya will battle for the other spot later on Thursday.
Batting first, Namibia recovered from losing four wickets for just 41 runs to post 174-6 off 20 overs at Harare Sports Club. In response, Tanzania managed 111 for 8. Smit and captain Gerhard Erasmus (55) turned the match in Namibia’s favour, adding 88 runs for the fifth wicket.
Smit hit four sixes and a four in his 43-ball innings, while Erasmus, who has captained Namibia in their previous three World Cup appearances, struck six fours. Apart from opener Abhik Patwa, who scored 31 off 31 deliveries with one six and three fours, Tanzania struggled in their reply, quickly falling behind the required run rate and failing to recover.
Ben Shikongo also took three wickets as Namibia became the 16th qualifier for the February 7-March 8 tournament, which will be co-hosted by holders India and Sri Lanka.
Brief scores
Namibia 174-6, 20 overs (J.J. Smit 61 not out, G. Erasmus 55; K. Juma 2-29, A. Kimote 2-41) v Tanzania 111-8, 20 overs (A. Patwa 31, M. Suthar 24; Smit 3-16, B. Shikongo 3-21).
(With Agency Inputs)
