Namibia secure 2026 T20 World Cup spot after Africa semifinal win

Namibia secured a place at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Tanzania by 63 runs in the first semifinal of the Africa Regional Qualifier at Harare Sports Club on Thursday. The victory made Namibia the first team to qualify from the African qualifiers for the tournament scheduled to be cohosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

Asked to bat, Namibia recovered from an early collapse to post 174 for 6 in 20 overs. Captain Gerhard Erasmus and allrounder JJ Smit put together an 88‑run partnership for the fifth wicket that swung momentum in Namibia's favor. Erasmus scored 55 from 41 balls while Smit finished unbeaten on 61 from 43 deliveries, striking four sixes. With the ball, Smit also took three wickets for 16 runs and Ben Shikongo returned figures of 3 for 21 as Tanzania were restricted to 111 for 8 in their chase.

Tanzania managed only one notable score in reply, opener Abhik Patwa making 31 off 31 balls, and the side never recovered the required run rate. The result confirmed Namibia as the 16th team to qualify for the 20‑team World Cup field.

Later on Thursday hosts Zimbabwe beat Kenya to secure the other African spot, setting up a final in...