Online Reporter
HARARE will burst into life this weekend as eight teams converge on the Zimbabwe capital for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, running from September 26 to October 4.
The stakes could not be higher, with the top two finishers securing their spots at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Group A features Namibia, Malawi, Nigeria and Kenya, while Group B has hosts Zimbabwe alongside Uganda, Tanzania and Botswana.
Each team will face their group rivals once, before the semi-finals decide the finalists who will not only battle for the regional crown but also clinch coveted tickets to the global showpiece.
A total of 28 matches – including eight official warm-up games – will be played across Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club, with two fixtures scheduled per venue each matchday.
The tournament bowls off on Friday, September 26, with Namibia taking on Kenya at Harare Sports Club and Nigeria meeting Malawi at Takashinga in morning fixtures starting at 0930 hours.
In the afternoon matches scheduled for a 1350 hours start, Zimbabwe begin their campaign against Uganda at Harare Sports Club, while Tanzania clash with Botswana at Takashinga.
Fans can also look forward to other action-packed matchdays, including Zimbabwe’s group-stage encounters against Botswana on Sunday, 28 September, and Tanzania on Tuesday, September 30, both at Harare Sports Club.
The two semi-finals are set for Thursday, October 2, at Harare Sports Club, which will also host the grand final on Saturday, October 4.
Playoff matches will take place at Takashinga.
Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the country was excited and ready to host Africa’s best for a tournament of such magnitude.
“Zimbabwe is fully prepared to stage this important qualifier and we are thrilled to welcome seven other nations to Harare for what promises to be a thrilling week of cricket,” he said.
“We call on our fans to come out in their numbers to enjoy the action, create a vibrant atmosphere and make this event a real spectacle as the teams battle for two places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.” – ZC
