The Namibian national cricket team has officially announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The experienced all-rounder Gerhard Erasmus will continue to captain the side as they prepare for their fourth straight appearance in the global tournament.
Dominant Path to Qualification
Namibia secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding and unbeaten performance at the Africa Qualifier held in Harare. They topped Group A and then delivered a powerful semi-final performance against Tanzania. In that crucial match, a strong batting recovery, spearheaded by half-centuries from JJ Smit and skipper Gerhard Erasmus, propelled Namibia to a total of 174 for six.
The bowlers then took complete control, with Smit and Ben Shikongo combining to take six wickets, restricting Tanzania to just 111 for eight. This emphatic 63-run victory was a clear statement of intent and highlighted Namibia's growing consistency on the world stage.
Blend of Experience and New Talent
The squad selection emphasizes continuity, with nine players retained from the team that participated in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This provides a solid and familiar core for the campaign. However, the selectors have also infused fresh energy by including new faces like Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Louren Steenkamp, JC Balt, WP Myburgh, and Max Heingo.
These additions are expected to add depth and provide more options as Namibia aims to surpass their best tournament performance, which was reaching the Super 12 stage back in 2021. The team's balance was evident during the qualifiers, where Steenkamp's quickfire 40 off 27 balls in the final, supported by a steady partnership with Erasmus, showed promising signs.
Key Performers and Tournament Draw
All-rounder Nicol Loftie-Eaton emerged as a standout performer during the Africa Qualifier, earning the Bowler of the Tournament award. He claimed an impressive 10 wickets at a remarkable average of 6.40 and an economy rate of just 4.92.
In the main event, Namibia has been placed in the challenging Group A. They will face cricketing giants India and Pakistan, along with the Netherlands and the USA. The team will be keen to improve on their record from the last edition, where they managed only a single win in a Super Over thriller against Oman.
Namibia's full 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026: 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.
