New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, and Malawi are preparing for an exciting competition as they join Uganda, Nigeria, Namibia, and host nation Zimbabwe for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier in Harare, scheduled from September 26 to October 4.

The top two teams from this eight-team tournament will secure their places in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. Group A includes Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, and Nigeria, while Group B features Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Each team will compete against their group opponents once, leading to semi-finals that will decide the two finalists who will qualify for the prestigious global event. A total of 28 matches will be played, including eight warm-up games, across Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club, with two matches scheduled at each venue every matchday.

“This tournament is the final step toward the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which promises to showcase high-quality cricket, enthusiasm, and competition,” stated Justine Ligyalingi, ICC Africa’s Acting Regional Development Manager.

“This event signifies more than just a competition; it celebrates cricket's expansion in Africa and presents a unique opportunity to highlight the warmth, culture, and beauty of Zimbabwe. We trust in Zimbabwe’s capability to host, ensuring this event will be a true testament to cricket, unity, and opportunity for our continent,” Ligyalingi added.

The tournament kicks off on September 26, with Namibia facing Kenya at Harare Sports Club and Nigeria clashing with Malawi at Takashinga Cricket Club in the morning. In the afternoon, host nation Zimbabwe will begin their journey against Uganda at Harare Sports Club, while Tanzania will meet Botswana at Takashinga Cricket Club.

Zimbabwe previously missed out on qualifying for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, which took place in the West Indies and USA, as Uganda and Namibia secured the two available spots in the last edition of the Africa qualifiers.

“On behalf of Zimbabwe Cricket, I warmly welcome everyone to Harare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier. This event signifies more than just a tournament; it is the culmination of Africa’s journey to the global stage,” expressed Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman.

“It reflects the advancement of our game throughout the continent, where cricket is inspiring communities, fostering talent, and creating new avenues for young players. The distinctive African celebration of cricket in Zimbabwe – filled with vibrant music, dance, and color – will make this Qualifier unforgettable for players, officials, and fans alike,” Mukuhlani remarked.