The Queens Sports Club is set to ignite as hosts Zimbabwe vs Namibia lock horns in a highly anticipated three-match T20I series starting September 15. This ZIM vs NAM showdown is more than just a bilateral contest; it serves as a critical preparatory ground for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final later this month.
With both teams boasting a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting talent, the series promises to be a thrilling spectacle of African cricket.
Series Schedule and Venue
All three matches will be played at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The action kicks off with the first T20I on Sunday, September 15, at 9:30 AM local time. The second and third fixtures follow on September 16 and 18, both scheduled for a 1:30 PM start. The series offers perfect weekend and weekday viewing for cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
Teams in Focus: Road to the Regional Final
This series is a vital prelude to the pathway tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup. For both squads, it’s a golden opportunity to fine-tune strategies and build momentum.
Zimbabwe (ZIM): The Sikandar Raza-led side will be eager to bounce back after a narrow 1-2 series loss to a strong Sri Lankan team. They have retained the same squad, which includes the welcome experience of Brendon Taylor. Taylor’s comeback adds significant firepower to a batting line-up that also features the elegant Sean Williams and the explosive Ryan Burl. The bowling attack, spearheaded by the pace of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, will look to dominate on a pitch known to favor pacers.
Namibia (NAM): The Eagles, led by the astute Gerhard Erasmus, are coming off a dominant 3-0 series win against Canada. Namibia, a team known for its fighting spirit, will rely on its core of seasoned players. The left-arm pace of Ruben Trumpelmann and the all-round prowess of JJ Smit make them formidable opponents. They will be keen to test their mettle against a Full Member nation and prove their credentials as one of Africa’s top sides.
Key Players to Watch
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM): The charismatic captain, a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball.
- Brendon Taylor (ZIM): The veteran batsman whose return adds depth and experience to the middle order.
- Ruben Trumpelmann (NAM): The pace bowler capable of swinging the new ball and taking early wickets.
- Gerhard Erasmus (NAM): The captain and anchor of the Namibian batting lineup.
ZIM vs NAM: Where to Watch Live TV and Streaming
For fans wondering how to catch all the action live, the broadcasting details are as follows:
- In India: The live streaming of the ZIM vs NAM T20I series will be exclusively available on the FanCode app and website (fancode.com).
- Rest of the World: The matches will be streamed live for free on the Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube channel, making it accessible to a global audience.
Unfortunately, there is no official live TV broadcast for this series in most regions, making these digital platforms the primary sources for live action.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The pitch at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo has traditionally offered something for the bowlers. Recent reports suggest it is particularly good for the pacers, with bounce and carry. Teams winning the toss might be tempted to bowl first and exploit the early conditions. A par score is expected to be in the region of 150-160.
What to Expect
Cricket fans can expect a tightly contested series. Zimbabwe will start as favourites on home soil, but Namibia’s recent form and never-say-die attitude mean an upset is always on the cards. This ZIM vs Namibia clash is set to be a perfect advertisement for the growing quality and competitive spirit of African cricket.