Chevrons Storm Into 2026 T20 World Cup With Undefeated Campaign
ZIMBABWE capped off a flawless ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Namibia in the final at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
The Chevrons sealed their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in style.
Having already confirmed qualification after their semi-final win over Kenya, the Chevrons showed no signs of easing off. They outplayed Namibia with both bat and ball to finish the tournament unbeaten.
Namibia, asked to bat first, posted 167 for six in their 20 overs. Richard Ngarava was the standout bowler, claiming three for 26 in his four overs. He removed Jan Frylinck for four, had Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton caught for 13, and later dismissed Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus for 38, caught by Brian Bennett. Wellington Masakadza (1 for 22) and Ryan Burl (1 for 17) also chipped in with key wickets, while Brad Evans accounted for Johannes Smit, who had threatened with 23 off 20 balls.
Namibia’s innings was built around Louren Steenkamp’s 40 from 27 deliveries and Erasmus’ 38 off 32, with the pair adding stability in the middle overs. Ruben Trumpelmann’s late 18 not out from 11 balls lifted them to a competitive total, but Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling kept the scoring in check.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase was anchored by wicketkeeper-batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani, who produced a mature and unbeaten 74 off 61 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes. He carried the innings with composure, pacing his knock perfectly.
Bennett made a bright start with 15 from 11 balls before falling to Ben Shikongo, while Dion Myers struck a lively 44 off 33 balls, including two fours and a six, before he was bowled by Bernard Scholtz. When captain Sikandar Raza departed first ball to the same bowler, Zimbabwe were 117 for three in the 15th over.
Any hopes Namibia had of forcing their way back were quickly dashed as Ryan Burl smashed an unbeaten 26 off just 12 deliveries, hammering four boundaries to speed Zimbabwe home. Together with Marumani, he ensured the chase was wrapped up with four balls to spare, finishing on 171 for three in 19.2 overs.
For Namibia, Scholtz was the most effective bowler, taking two for 21 in his four overs, while Shikongo picked up one for 18. However, Trumpelmann proved expensive, conceding 46 runs in just 3.2 overs.
