Zimbabwe qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating Kenya by seven wickets in the second semi-final of the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Final on Thursday, October 2, at the Harare Sports Club. The Chevrons became the 17th team to qualify for the major event, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe last competed in the 20-over event in 2022, losing out on the 2024 T20 World Cup after being upset by Uganda in the qualifications.
In the match, Zimbabwe reduced Kenya to 122/6 after they won the toss and chose to bat first. Kenya’s batting performance was terribly poor, save from Rakep Patel’s 65 off 47.
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.
India
