Namibia T20I Tri-Series 2026: Full Schedule, Start Times (Local, IST, ET) and Guide
Published on August 26, 2026
Summary Overview: The Namibia T20I tri-series brings hosts Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe to Windhoek from Aug 28 to Sep 6. Full schedule with local, IST and ET times, the teams, and what's at stake.
Namibia T20I Tri-Series 2026: Full Schedule, Start Times (Local, IST, ET) and Guide
By Cricket Daily
Southern Africa takes centre stage this fortnight. The Namibia T20I Tri-Series 2026 brings together hosts Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe for a week of competitive Twenty20 cricket in Windhoek, running from 28 August to 6 September. It is a tournament with genuine meaning attached, and here is everything you need, including the full schedule in your time zone.
What is a tri-series?
For anyone new to the term, a tri-series is a competition between three international teams. Each side plays the other two more than once in a league stage, and the top two on the table then meet in a final to decide the winner.
This tournament follows exactly that shape. Across six league matches, every team plays the other two twice, and the top two qualify for the final in Windhoek on 6 September. All seven games are staged at the Namibia Cricket Ground.
Why this series matters
The timing and the teams make this a landmark event. Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the three co-hosts of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, so this tri-series is valuable preparation as they build towards that global tournament on home soil.
There is a bigger picture too. The event is being seen as a precursor to a proposed Africa T20 Cup from 2027, an annual competition intended to raise the standard of cricket across the continent. For Namibia in particular, staging a three-nation tournament is an important test of their facilities and organisation before the world arrives next year.
The three teams
Hosts Namibia, captained by Gerhard Erasmus, will fancy their chances in home conditions and have recalled experienced batter Michael van Lingen to a squad full of familiar names like Ruben Trumpelmann and Jan Frylinck.
South Africa arrive with a second-string, developmental side led by spinner Bjorn Fortuin, with the senior stars rested. It is a group built around exciting young talent, including Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, all eager to make their mark.
Zimbabwe are led by their talisman, veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and welcome back experienced leg-spinner Graeme Cremer from injury. Battle-hardened and well drilled, the Chevrons will be tough opponents for anyone.
Schedule and start times
Every match is a day game starting at the same time. Namibia runs two hours ahead of GMT, so the local start of 2:00 PM converts neatly for fans around the world.
| Date | Match | Local (Namibia) | IST | ET |
| Fri 28 Aug | Namibia v South Africa | 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Sat 29 Aug | South Africa v Zimbabwe | 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Mon 31 Aug | Namibia v Zimbabwe | 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Tue 1 Sep | South Africa v Zimbabwe | 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Thu 3 Sep | Namibia v Zimbabwe | 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Fri 4 Sep | Namibia v South Africa | 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Sun 6 Sep | Final (top two teams) | 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
All times are 2:00 PM local Namibia time, which is 12:00 noon GMT, 5:30 PM in India and 8:00 AM in the eastern United States. So subcontinent fans get a comfortable evening watch, while those in North America will need an early start.
What to watch for
The intrigue lies in the contrasting approaches. Namibia will be desperate to make home advantage count and prove they belong among more established nations. South Africa's young side offers a first real look at the country's next generation, so keep an eye on whether Brevis, Pretorius and Maphaka can shine on the big stage. And Zimbabwe, with the wily Raza at the helm, have the experience and the spin to trouble anyone.
With a place in the final on the line and a trophy to play for, nobody will treat this as a gentle warm-up. It is proper competitive cricket, and a genuine step forward for the sport across Africa.
Keep it locked to Cricket Daily for squads, results, and full coverage of the Namibia T20I Tri-Series.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Namibia T20I Tri-Series 2026?
From 28 August to 6 September, with all seven matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
Which teams are playing?
Hosts Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
What time do the matches start?
At 2:00 PM local Namibia time each day, which is 5:30 PM in India and 8:00 AM in the eastern United States.
How does the tri-series work?
Each team plays the other two twice in a six-match league stage, and the top two meet in the final on 6 September.
Why is the series significant?
It is preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which all three nations will co-host, and a precursor to a proposed Africa T20 Cup from 2027.