Zimbabwe’s run to the Super 8 of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup may have been celebrated in Harare, but it could be just as significant for Uganda’s Cricket Cranes.
When Zimbabwe booked their place in the last eight at the ongoing tournament in Sri Lanka, it was seen as a great win since it took the side into the 2028 ICC Men’s T20i World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
However after qualifying for the Super 8, it is now evident that did more than mark a milestone for the Chevrons, it reshaped Africa’s qualification race for 2028.
Ranked 11th in the world, Zimbabwe have now secured automatic qualification by reaching the Super 8.
With the South Africa national cricket team already assured of their place among the elite, another continental giant is out of the qualifying battle.
That leaves the Namibia national cricket team (15th) and Uganda (21st) as the highest-ranked African sides heading into the qualifiers.
The format favours Uganda. Namibia and Uganda will be drawn into separate groups, avoiding an early showdown between Africa’s top hopefuls.
For the Cricket Cranes, that separation could prove crucial. A consistent run would put a return to the global stage firmly within reach.
Zimbabwe’s qualification came in dramatic fashion. Their Group B match against the Ireland national cricket team was washed out, with both sides sharing a point.
That point lifted Zimbabwe to five, enough to advance alongside the Sri Lanka national cricket team who they beat by six wickets.
In the Super 8, the Chevrons now face heavyweights including the India national cricket team, West Indies cricket team and England cricket team.
For Uganda, the focus is clear. The Cricket Cranes made history at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies, a debut that sparked belief back home.
Now, with Zimbabwe automatically qualified and South Africa already secure, the path is less crowded.
The task is now straightforward, deliver in the qualifiers and book a place at the 2028 showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.
