Zimbabwe to Host Namibia in Crucial T20I Series Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Cricket fans are in for a thrilling encounter as Zimbabwe prepares to take on Namibia in a three-match T20I series at Queens Sports Club this September. With both teams fine-tuning their strategies for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, this series promises high-quality cricket and intense competition.
Series Overview
The bilateral series will feature three T20 International matches scheduled for 15th, 16th, and 18th September at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This contest represents an important opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses against quality opposition.
Match Schedule
- September 15: 1st T20I – Zimbabwe vs Namibia
- September 16: 2nd T20I – Zimbabwe vs Namibia
- September 18: 3rd T20I – Zimbabwe vs Namibia
All matches are scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM local time.
World Cup Qualifier Preparations
This series serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023, which will be hosted in Harare from 26th September to 4th October. The qualifier tournament will determine which African teams secure spots in the global T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe, having recently missed out on qualification for the 50-over World Cup, will be looking to make a strong statement in the T20 format. Namibia, on the other hand, has emerged as a competitive force in African cricket and will pose a significant challenge to the hosts.
Zimbabwe Squad
- Sikandar Raza (Captain)
- Brian Bennett
- Ryan Burl
- Brad Evans
- Trevor Gwandu
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Wellington Masakadza
- Tony Munyonga
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Dion Myers
- Richard Ngarava
- Brendan Taylor
- Sean Williams
Namibia Squad
- Gerhard Erasmus (Captain)
- Zane Green
- Bernard Scholtz
- Ruben Trumpelmann
- JJ Smit
- Jan Frylinck
- Louren Steenkamp
- Malan Kruger
- Nicol Loftie-Eaton
- Jack Brassell
- Ben Shikongo
- JC Balt
- Dylan Leicher
- Alexander Volschenk
- Jan-lzak de Villiers
Team Management
- Craig Williams – Head Coach
- Justin Kemp – Assistant Coach
- Evert Laubscher – S&C Coach
- Sean Nowak – Physiotherapist
- Hestelle Spies – Team Manager
- Polly Negongo – Selector & Mental Coach
- Timothy Yates – Analyst
Venue Information
Queens Sports Club is one of Zimbabwe’s premier cricket grounds, known for its excellent pitch and facilities. The ground has hosted numerous international matches and is considered a favorite among players and spectators alike.
Address: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Free Entry for All Spectators!
In an effort to promote cricket and encourage fan engagement, Zimbabwe Cricket has announced that admission to all matches will be completely free for spectators. This initiative aims to fill the stands with passionate cricket fans and create an electrifying atmosphere.
What to Expect
Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to exciting battles between some of Africa’s finest cricketers. Zimbabwe will rely on their experienced players, while Namibia will look to continue their recent rise in international cricket.
The series is expected to feature power-hitting, skillful bowling, and athletic fielding – all the elements that make T20 cricket so popular around the world. With both teams having everything to play for, each match promises to be competitive and entertaining.
Historical Context
Zimbabwe and Namibia have developed a healthy rivalry in recent years. While Zimbabwe has traditionally been the stronger team, Namibia’s impressive performances in recent ICC events have narrowed the gap between the two sides, making for closely contested matches.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness international cricket at its finest. Mark your calendars for September 15, 16, and 18, and head to Queens Sports Club for what promises to be an exhilarating display of T20 cricket.