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Namibia Unveils T20 World Cup 2026 Squad, Led by Erasmus, Eyeing Historic Run

Namibia has announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, with all-rounder Gerhard Erasmus continuing as captain. The team earned its place through a dominant, unbeaten run in the Africa Qualifier, highlighted by a powerful semi-final victory over Tanzania. With nine players retained from the 2024 edition, the squad blends experience with new talent as it prepares for a challenging Group A. Namibia will aim to improve on its 2024 performance and match its 2021 achievement of reaching the Super 12 stage.

Key Points: Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced

  • Unbeaten Africa Qualifier run
  • Nine players retained from 2024
  • Placed in Group A with India
  • Aiming to surpass Super 12 record
2 min read

Namibia announces squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Namibia names its 15-man squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, led by Gerhard Erasmus. See the full team and their path to qualification.

"The emphatic 63-run win underscored Namibia's growing consistency on the global stage. - ICC"

New Delhi, January 3

Namibia have named a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, with all-rounder Gerhard Erasmus to lead the side in the tournament.

This will be the African nation's fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament. Namibia sealed their place at the tournament after a commanding run at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier in Harare, finishing as unbeaten Group A toppers and backing it up with a dominant semi-final victory over Tanzania, as per the ICC website.

A composed recovery with the bat, led by half-centuries from JJ Smit and captain Gerhard Erasmus, powered Namibia to 174 for six before their bowlers took control, with Smit and Ben Shikongo sharing six wickets to limit Tanzania to 111 for eight.

The emphatic 63-run win underscored Namibia's growing consistency on the global stage as they secured their spot at the 2026 tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

Their route to qualification offered encouraging signs, particularly through Loftie-Eaton, who was named Bowler of the Tournament at the Africa Qualifier after claiming 10 wickets at an average of 6.40 and an economy rate of 4.92.

In the final, Steenkamp's brisk 40 off 27 balls, alongside a steadying partnership with captain Gerhard Erasmus (38 off 32), highlighted Namibia's growing balance as they build towards the marquee tournament.

At their most recent T20 World Cup appearance, Namibia managed just one victory, edging past Oman in a Super Over, and will be keen to translate lessons from that campaign into stronger results this time around.

Continuity remains a key theme in the squad, with nine players retained from the 2024 edition, providing a familiar core, while Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Louren Steenkamp, JC Balt, WP Myburgh and Max Heingo add fresh depth and options as Namibia look to best their tournament record of reaching the Super 12's in 2021.

Namibia are placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, the Netherlands and the USA.

Namibia Squad: Gerhard Erasmus (c), 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, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo. Travelling reserve: Alexander Volschenk.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see associate nations getting consistent opportunities. Namibia's journey is inspiring for smaller cricket boards. Loftie-Eaton's bowling stats in the qualifier are seriously impressive!
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Ananya R
Fourth consecutive appearance is no small feat! They have a good mix of experience and youth. Hope they put up a good fight, especially against the big teams. The tournament being in India and Sri Lanka will be amazing for fans.
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Vikram M
With all due respect to Namibia, the real focus for us Indian fans is obviously our own team's performance. But it's good for the global game that teams like this are improving. Their match vs Pakistan could be interesting.
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Karthik V
JJ Smit is a proper all-rounder. He was brilliant in the qualifier. Hope they can cause an upset or two. The World Cup is still far away, but the preparation starts now. All the best to them!
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Michael C
While I appreciate the coverage, the article feels a bit premature announcing a squad for a tournament two years away. A lot can change with form and injuries. The core looks good though.

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