Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA booked their place at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating Tanzania by 63 runs in the semi-final of the ICC Africa qualifiers in Harare on Thursday. The victory secured the Eagles their fourth consecutive appearance at the global showpiece.
Later in the day, Zimbabwe also qualified after easing past Kenya in the second semi-final. South Africa had already secured direct entry to the tournament.
For Namibia, this will be their fourth appearance at the Men’s T20 World Cup, having also featured in 2021 (Super 12s), 2022 (group stage), and 2024 (group stage).
Erasmus and Smit led the batting recovery after a shaky start, putting on 88 runs to lift the total to 174 for 6. Erasmus scored 55 off 41 balls with six fours, while Smit hit 61 not out from 43 balls, including one four and four sixes.
Smit then shone with the ball, taking 3 for 16, including two wickets in consecutive deliveries in the sixth over. Ben Shikongo added 3 for 21 as Tanzania fell short despite batting out their overs.
Photo: Cricket Namibia
