Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, all 10 full members qualified automatically, while the remaining two slots were filled through the ICC World Cricket League Division One.
The system changed in 2008 with a separate qualifier, and by the 2021 edition, the pathway shifted again, with a set number of top-ranked teams from the previous tournament gaining automatic entry and the rest battling through regional qualifiers.
This Friday, Zimbabwe open their bid for a 2026 T20 World Cup ticket with a showdown against Uganda at Harare Sports Club. The East Africans are familiar foes. They famously ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaching the 2024 World Cup when they beat the Chevrons by five wickets at the Africa Qualifier in Namibia last year.
Uganda went on to make their maiden appearance at the global showpiece, beating Papua New Guinea, but also recording the tournament’s joint lowest total, 39 all out against the West Indies.
Plenty of subplots surround Friday’s game, but one that may slip under the radar is Luke Jongwe’s absence. Once a regular and a fan favourite, the 30-year-old all-rounder has slipped down the T20 pecking order.
“Let me clarify this once and for all, because I have been hearing a lot of rumours asking: ‘Have you recovered?’ and things like that. I have not been injured,” Jongwe said.
“The last time I had something that kept me away from cricket was that side strain in December last year, just before the Pakistan tour.
Even then, the medical team quickly cleared me to play, but it was not in time for me to be part of the regional games squad.”
Jongwe travelled with the team to Namibia for the last Africa qualifiers, but never played in the decisive loss to Uganda.
His last international T20 was on July 7, 2024 against India. More than a year later, he finds himself watching from the stands as Zimbabwe face the same opponents again, Uganda.
“Honestly speaking, it has been rather difficult,” he admitted. “However, that is sport for you. There will always be highs and lows. I have been keeping tabs on the team and this is the first time since I made my debut in 2014 that I have missed so much international cricket.
“We have also been very busy and I think it’s showing that the more games we play against competitive teams, the better we will get as a team.”
Despite missing out, Jongwe believes Zimbabwe will qualify.
Eight teams — Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda and hosts Zimbabwe — will compete for two spots at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.
South Africa are already through after finishing among the top eight in the previous edition.
“I’m 100 percent certain that the boys are going to qualify,” said Jongwe. “Of that, I have no doubt whatsoever. Based on the current cricket we are playing, I see us lifting the regional trophy for the first time.
“It will be tough watching from the stands, but all I can do is cheer the guys from the sidelines and wish them nothing but the best.”
Looking ahead, Jongwe is determined to force his way back.
“I will be back. I’m yet to show you guys my best all-rounder version and my best international days are still to come. Just watch this space. I have spoken to the selectors, they have informed me what I need to work on and I will do just that.”
