After Namibia, Zimbabwe qualify for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
What's the story
Zimbabwe have qualified for the 2026 Men's ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Led by Sikandar Raza, the team bounced back from their failure to make the 2024 edition hosted jointly by the West Indies and USA. Zimbabwe are the second side from the African Qualifier to go through after Namibia, who sealed their qualification earlier in the day.
Pathway
Zimbabwe secure spot in T20 WC 2026
Zimbabwe's qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup came after a semi-final clash with Kenya at the Harare Sports Club. Kenya bowled first and restricted their opponents to 122/6 in 20 overs. Brian Bennett's half-century and contributions from other batters helped Zimbabwe chase down the target in just 15 overs, securing their place in the 2026 tournament.
Qualification
Namibia also qualifies for T20 World Cup
As mentioned, Namibia also qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup 2026. The African side secured its spot after defeating Tanzania by 63 runs in Semi-final 1 of the Africa Regional qualifying event in Harare. The upcoming T20 World Cup will mark Namibia's fourth appearance in the tournament, having previously participated in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Upcoming tournament
Asia-EAP qualifier to decide remaining spots
The impending T20 World Cup will have a total of 20 teams, with three places reserved for the teams qualifying from the Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, starting October 8 in Oman. Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Qatar, Samoa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be competing for these spots.
Information
17 teams that are through
Along with Namibia and Zimbabwe, other teams that have qualified for the 20-team event include co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Netherlands, and Italy.