Houghton explains ‘two-fold’ importance of Namibia tour

Zimbabwe will tour Namibia next week for five Twenty20 international (T20I) matches as part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023.

The two sides will face off in Windhoek on 24, 25, 27, 29 and 30 October.

Both teams are using the series to fine-tune for Africa’s final qualifier tournament that will be held in Namibia from 20 November to 1 December to decide two spots at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America.

Zimbabwe Head Coach Dave Houghton said: “This first trip to Namibia has two-fold importance for us as a group.

“Firstly, this is the first time we have played together as a team since the 50-over World Cup qualifiers and we need to get our winning methods back on track. 

“Secondly, no one in the squad has experienced Namibian conditions, or how the wickets play, so this will give us that insight, prior to the T20 qualifiers in November.”

Apart from Zimbabwe and Namibia, the other countries taking part in the regional event are Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with the tournament’s top two teams qualifying for the global showpiece.

“Obviously as the only ICC Full Member, we will quite rightly be the favourites,” Houghton said. 

“My message is very clear to our team: we will go to win every game and qualification will take care of itself. 

“It’s important that we not only win, but totally dominate in the region. There can be no complacency.”

NAMIBIA VERSUS ZIMBABWE T20I SERIES SCHEDULE:

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