Tanzania and Ghana have secured their places in the next round of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 qualifying after both sides finished unbeaten in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-regional Qualifier B.
The pair had already clinched the two top spots in the six-team tournament before their scheduled final-day meeting, which was ultimately abandoned due to rain. Their unbeaten records ensured a seamless progression, with Tanzania topping the table on a tiebreak over Ghana.
Tanzania entered the competition as favourites and justified their billing with a commanding opening-day performance, brushing aside Malawi by eight wickets. They followed with a 158-run victory that boosted their net run rate, before securing similarly convincing wins over Seychelles and Saint Helena.
Much of Tanzania’s success was driven by their pace attack, with young standouts Khalidy Juma and Laksh Bakrani each claiming eight wickets. The pair, renowned in African cricketing circles as The Storm, received formidable support from Yalinde Nkanya and Ally Kimote, who took six wickets apiece. Collectively, the side claimed 39 of a possible 40 wickets across the tournament.
For Ghana, the defining moment came in a heart-stopping final-ball victory over a fancied Malawi side, a result that ultimately proved decisive in the race for second place. With four runs required off the final delivery and Philip Yevugah dismissed the previous ball, Lee Nyarko faced Malawi’s Sami Sohail. Advancing down the pitch, Nyarko benefitted from a stroke of fortune as his outside edge evaded the wicketkeeper and the fielders inside the circle.
Riding the momentum of that thrilling win, the hosts closed out the tournament with victories over Saint Helena and Eswatini, confirming their progression before their final fixture against Tanzania was curtailed by rain.
Two further sub-regional events are scheduled in Africa. Botswana will host Sub-regional Qualifier A in late May, while Nigeria is set to host Qualifier C later in the year.
Namibia have already advanced to the next stage of T20 World Cup qualifying by virtue of their participation in the previous T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe and South Africa have secured their berths for the T20 World Cup 2028 following their respective Super 8s finishes in the 2026 tournament.
