The first squad from the Africa Region Qualifier to be guaranteed a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup is Namibia. Their remarkable adventure culminated in a decisive 58-run triumph over Tanzania, their fifth straight qualifying tournament victory.
With this accomplishment, Namibia has qualified for the T20 World Cup three times in a row, demonstrating their increasing strength in the cricketing world. They defeated Ireland and the Netherlands in the Super 12 stage of their UAE debut in 2021. But in the Australian competition in 2022, they were eliminated early.
JJ Smit, who recently defeated Tanzania with an undefeated 40 off 25 balls, put on an outstanding display. Smit, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, and Zane Green powered Namibia to a competitive total despite losing wickets quickly after each other.
Tanzania, on the other hand, found it difficult to reach their target of 158 runs, with Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus bowling the best, with statistics of 2 for 17. With 10 points after five games, Namibia’s commanding lead in the Africa Region points table confirms their place as the best team.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also published a tweet regarding Namibia’s qualification for the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024. “Namibia has secured a spot for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024,” they posted.
Zimbabwe defeated Rwanda by a commanding 144 runs to remain in the running.
As Namibia rejoiced in their achievement, Zimbabwe—the only other participating Full Member—maintained their chances by defeating Rwanda by a commanding 144 runs. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl, as well as captain Sikandar Raza’s 58-run knock, helped Zimbabwe reach a respectable total of 215 for 4.
With these outcomes, Zimbabwe’s net run rate increased dramatically, moving them up in the points table above Kenya and Uganda. As Zimbabwe attempts to advance further in the Africa Region Qualifier by playing Kenya and Nigeria in the next games, the battle heats up.