Africa Kings: undefeated, unstoppable Zimbabwe reign supreme

HARARE - An outstanding unbeaten 74 from Tadiwanashe Marumani (pictured) powered Zimbabwe to a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Namibia – with just four balls to spare – in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Both teams had already secured their places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, by virtue of reaching the final of this eight-team regional qualifying tournament.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to field and struck early, reducing Namibia to 19 for two within the first three overs.

Richard Ngarava made the early breakthroughs, dismissing the dangerous Jan Frylinck for four and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton for 13, both well held in the deep.

Malan Kruger struggled for fluency before falling lbw to Ryan Burl for 13 off 17 balls, leaving Namibia wobbling at 55 for three in the seventh over.

Louren Steenkamp provided resistance with a brisk 40 off 27 balls, putting on a useful partnership with captain Gerhard Erasmus (38 off 32) to steady the innings.

Once they departed, Ngarava returned to claim his third wicket, finishing with impressive figures of three for 26.

Brad Evans bowled the final over, dismissing JJ Smit for 23, but Ruben Trumpelmann’s late flourish – 18 not out off just a few deliveries – lifted Namibia to a competitive 167 for six.

Wellington Masakadza was the most economical of the bowlers, conceding only 22 runs in his four overs.

In reply, Brian Bennett and Marumani gave Zimbabwe a steady start before Bennett fell for 15, caught off Ben Shikongo with the score on 29.

Dion Myers joined Marumani, and the pair rebuilt the innings beautifully, rotating the strike well and punishing loose deliveries.

They added 88 for the second wicket, with Marumani reaching his fifty from 43 balls.

Myers was bowled by Bernard Scholtz for a fine 44, and Sikandar Raza fell the very next ball, suddenly putting Namibia back in the contest.

With Burl at the crease, Zimbabwe needed 29 from the last three overs.

Burl struck vital boundaries to ease the pressure, but 11 runs were still required from the final over – to be bowled by Trumpelmann.

Then disaster struck for Namibia.

Trumpelmann opened with a wide, followed by two costly no-balls.

Burl punished both, hitting fours from each and sealing victory in dramatic fashion.

Marumani remained unbeaten on 74, anchoring the chase to perfection.

Scholtz was Namibia’s standout bowler with two for 21 from four overs.

The victory completed a perfect campaign by Zimbabwe, who recorded five wins from five matches. - ZimCricket Media