Zimbabwe confirm qualification for T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe have qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026 after their seven-wicket against Kenya in the second semi-final of the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Final at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, October 2. The Chevrons are the 17th team to qualify for the mega event to be played in India and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe last appeared in the 20-over event in 2022, missing out the 2024 installment of the T20 World Cup after getting defeated by Uganda in the qualifiers.

Coming to the match, Zimbabwe restricted Kenya to just 122/6 after the latter won the toss and opted to bat first. Apart from Rakep Patel, who scored 65 off 47, it was a severely underwhelming batting display by Kenya.

Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza was the most economical of the lot. However, he went wicketless in his allotted quota. Blessing Muzarabani impressed with 2/19 in four overs, while Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans and Tinotenda Maposa picked a wicket apiece.

The game was more than done and dusted by the end of the run-chase’s powerplay. Brian Bennett was dismissed on the second ball of the seventh over, but not before plundering 51 off just 25. Ryan Burl and Tony Munyonga took their side over the line. Vraj Patel and Gondaria tried their level best with some tight bowling. However, it was not to be for Kenya.

Earlier in the tournament, they had been lucky to get out of Group A on the basis of a slightly better net run rate than Nigeria. Barring Zimbabwe and Namibia, the other teams at the T20 World Cup 2026 are India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, Netherlands. The final three spots will be decided at the Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2025.