Namibia Qualifies for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

HARARE: JJ Smit's all-round heroics gave Namibia a stunning victory over Tanzania, earning a ticket in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be contested in India and Sri Lanka. 

Namibia's success in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional qualifications was their fourth successive qualification for the big event. They previously competed in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 World Cups.

Namibia batted first and scored 174 in 20 overs, losing six wickets.

Namibia were in danger at 41-4 in 4.4 overs when skipper Gerhard Erasmus and JJ Smit joined forces at the crease. The pair scored 88 runs for their fifth-wicket stand, which got them out of difficulty.

Gerhard Erasmus scored 55 from 41 balls, including six fours, while JJ Smit finished undefeated on 61 from 43 balls, with four sixes and a boundary.

Tanzania's Ally Kimote and Khalidy Amiri took two wickets each.

Tanzania only managed 111-8 in 20 overs thanks to clinical bowling. Abhik Patwa stayed the top-scorer with 31 runs off 31 balls, including three fours and a six, but it was insufficient as Namibia picked up wickets continuously.

After dazzling with the bat, JJ Smit was equally impressive with the ball, taking three key wickets to help his team secure a sensational win.  Ben Shikongo provided solid assistance from the other end, taking three wickets in his four overs.