Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Namibian men’s national cricket team, the FNB Eagles, have arrived in Bulawayo ahead of their highly anticipated three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Zimbabwe. The series is set to take place at Queens Sports Club, with the first ball bowled this Monday.
Captain Gerhard Erasmus and the rest of the squad, who looked to be in good spirits despite their journey, chose not to speak with the media upon arrival, with representatives citing fatigue. They have the rest of the weekend to prepare, with net sessions scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
This series is a vital part of both teams’ final preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, which will be held in Harare from September 26 to October 4. The two nations are among eight teams — including Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda — who will be vying for the two coveted spots at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Namibia holds a significant psychological advantage over Zimbabwe, having won seven of the 11 T20I matches between them. Their most impactful victory came during the 2023 T20 World Cup Qualifier in Windhoek, a result that effectively knocked Zimbabwe out of contention for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The rivalry dates back to a 2022 series at Queens Sports Club, where the Eagles secured a historic 3-2 victory, their first series win over a full member nation. Since then, they have enjoyed the upper hand, including another 3-2 series win in 2023.
For Zimbabwe, this series represents a crucial chance for redemption and a vital opportunity to build confidence heading into the qualifiers, which captain Sikandar Raza and head coach Justin Sammons have both described as a top priority.
The three matches are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with the opener starting at 9:30 AM CAT and the following two matches at 1:00 PM CAT. All matches will be free for fans to attend.
Meanwhile, the 2025 National Premier League (NPL) season is set for a dramatic conclusion this weekend. SOGO Rangers have one hand on the title, holding a two-point lead over Takashinga Patriots 1 and Amakhosi Cricket Club 1.
SOGO Rangers will play Methane Lions at home at Old Georgians Sports Club. Takashinga 1 are up against Amakhosi 2 at Kwekwe Sports Club, while Amakhosi 1 will host Mbizo Cricket Club at Bulawayo Athletic Club.
Regardless of this weekend’s results, the top three teams — SOGO Rangers, Takashinga 1, and Amakhosi 1 — have already secured their places in the Champions Trophy, where they will face the Zimbabwe Under-19 team at a later date. The top eight teams from the NPL will also qualify for the NPL T20 Blast.
NPL Fixtures:
Saturday: Amakhosi 1 vs Mbizo (BAC), Takashinga 2 vs Rimuka (Old Hararians), Queens Sports Club vs Alex Cricket Club (Kwekwe Sports Club), Methane Lions vs SOGO Rangers (Old Georgians),
Sunday: Eastern Titans vs Chiredzi Cricket Club (Masvingo Sports Club), Westside vs Gladiators (Old Hararians), Amakhosi 2 vs Takashinga 1 (Kwekwe Sports Club).
Londile Moyo