By Tendai Chisiri
HARARE — Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia will meet for a landmark T20 International tri-series in Windhoek later this month, as African cricket takes its first step toward launching a full continental tournament in 2027.
The three-nation series will run from 28 August to 6 September at venues in Windhoek. It is part of a broader initiative to create more regular, high-quality international competition across Africa and is being spearheaded by Africa Cricket Association Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani.
The tournament will lay the groundwork for the Africa Cup, envisioned as a flagship continental competition set to debut next year.
The concept gained momentum during the 2026 ICC Africa Annual Conference in Windhoek, where cricket boards across the continent backed plans for a sustainable competition built on collaboration and high-performance cricket.
The Africa Cup is expected to initially rotate between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia before expanding. Other African nations will later have the opportunity to qualify through a formal pathway.
“This tournament marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for African cricket,” said Mr. Mukuhlani.
“By bringing Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia together in regular, competitive international cricket, we are laying the foundation for something much bigger for our continent. Our vision is to launch the Africa Cup in 2027 and gradually build it into African cricket’s flagship international tournament.”
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the series will give Zimbabwe’s players valuable international exposure.
“This tri-series is an important step in our commitment to giving Zimbabwe’s players regular, high-quality international competition,” he said.
“Playing South Africa and Namibia in a competitive tournament will provide invaluable experience for our players and support our long-term growth as an international side.”
Cricket Namibia CEO Johan Muller said Namibia was proud to host and urged fans to support the Eagles.
“We are immensely grateful to Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket for their commitment to this series… This promises to be a memorable celebration of the game and a fantastic opportunity to support the Eagles on home soil.”
Cricket Namibia CEO Johan Muller said Namibia was proud to host and urged fans to support the Eagles.
“We are immensely grateful to Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket for their commitment to this series… This promises to be a memorable celebration of the game and a fantastic opportunity to support the Eagles on home soil.”
Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki added that the tour also builds momentum ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will co-host.
T20I TRI-SERIES FIXTURES – WINDHOEK
- 28 Aug: South Africa v Namibia
- 29 Aug: South Africa v Zimbabwe
- 31 Aug: Zimbabwe v Namibia
- 1 Sept: Zimbabwe v South Africa
- 3 Sept: Namibia v Zimbabwe
- 4 Sept: Namibia v South Africa
- 6 Sept: Final – Top two teams
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