Hosts Zimbabwe are aiming for a perfect conclusion to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign when they face fierce rivals Namibia in today’s eagerly anticipated final at Harare Sports Club.
The final, set to start at 1:50 pm, promises to be a pulsating contest as both teams go head‑to‑head for continental supremacy and bragging rights. Earlier in the day, cricket fans will be treated to the third-place play‑off between Kenya and Tanzania at 9:30 am, while play‑offs for fifth and seventh places take place at Takashinga in Highfield. But all eyes will be on the Harare Sports Club, where the Chevrons and the Namibians will battle for glory.
Zimbabwe and Namibia have dominated the tournament so far, both maintaining flawless records to secure 100 percent wins through the competition. Their performances earned them the top two slots at the qualifier and confirmed their places at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co‑hosted by India and Sri Lanka. They join South Africa as the continent’s representatives at the global event, cementing their status as Africa’s top T20 sides.
While qualification was the primary goal, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza says the Chevrons are determined to go all the way and claim the title.
“When the tournament started, we didn’t just set out to qualify for the World Cup. We wanted to win the trophy,” Raza said. “We have a very important match coming up, so we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves. Saturday’s game matters a lot — and Inshallah, we want to win it. We want to build a happy, winning dressing room.”
Raza stressed the importance of focusing on one game at a time. “It can only be done if you take every game that comes your way seriously, put your best foot forward, and try to win it,” he added.
Zimbabwe Eye Perfect Finish as Chevrons Set to Clash with Namibia in ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier Final
The Chevrons stormed into the final with a seven-wicket win over Kenya on Thursday, a victory that not only secured their spot at the global stage but also ended Zimbabwe’s absence from the last edition of the T20 World Cup in 2024, for which they failed to qualify. The win restored confidence and momentum, giving the squad the boost needed ahead of today’s showdown.
Namibia, meanwhile, have also been formidable, entering the final unbeaten and demonstrating their quality throughout. Known in recent years as Zimbabwe’s bogey side, Namibia had taken a clean 2‑1 series win in T20 internationals earlier this season. But Zimbabwe showed they could challenge them, and the upcoming final offers another opportunity for revenge and supremacy.
Namibia’s journey to the final has been powered by consistent performances from key players, including JJ Smit, Nicol Loftie‑Eaton, and Jan Frylinck. Their semi-final triumph over Tanzania underscored their depth and discipline, and they arrive in Harare confident of claiming their fourth successive T20 World Cup qualification and emulating their Super 12 success of 2021.
Raza is quick to caution against underestimating the Namibians. “They’ve been strong throughout this tournament. They have quality players and they know how to deliver under pressure. It’s going to be a big challenge,” he said.
Both sides may make slight changes to manage player workloads ahead of the final. Raza indicated that injury niggles and rotation considerations could influence selection. “There are boys carrying niggles, and we’ll assess them on match day. As captain, if a player feels they can give 100 percent, I will back them. When we step on the field, we put our hearts into playing for Zimbabwe. Pain or niggles disappear when you are driven by pride,” he said.
He added: “We’ll see what changes are necessary, but one thing is clear — there’s a trophy to win and we’ll give it our best.”
Raza also addressed another challenge off the field: uniting Zimbabwe’s cricket fans. Tensions have arisen between supporters in the traditional Castle Corner and the brass band section, and the captain urged harmony.
“I’m a balanced guy. I want a bit of both. The band and the Castle Corner must work hand in hand. They should have their time to sing and the band to play. I’ll talk to them before the game and tell them to work together,” Raza said.
For Zimbabwe, the final is about more than a trophy — it is about proving their dominance at home, avenging recent defeats to Namibia, and carrying forward momentum into the World Cup stage. For Namibia, it is an opportunity to assert their supremacy in African cricket and maintain their record of consistent qualification.
As the sun sets over Harare Sports Club this afternoon, cricket fans can expect an enthralling contest — one that will not only decide the champion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier but could also shape the narrative for African cricket heading into 2026.
Source- Herald
