Africa’s best set for Windhoek in historic FNB T20 Tri-Series
Cricket Namibia has unveiled one of the biggest international cricket events ever to be staged on home soil, confirming that the FNB Eagles will host South Africa and Zimbabwe in the inaugural FNB T20 Tri-Series from 28 August to 6 September in Windhoek.
The tournament will be followed by a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series between Namibia and the Proteas from 9 to 13 September, giving the Eagles another opportunity to test themselves against one of the world's leading cricket nations.
The initiative brings together Cricket Namibia, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Zimbabwe Cricket as part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation and create more regular, high-level competition between African cricket nations.
Cricket Namibia CEO Johan Muller said the series represents a major milestone for the sport in Namibia and the wider continent.
"It is not often that you get the privilege to host the best countries in the world," Muller said, referring to South Africa and Zimbabwe. He noted that last year's historic T20 International against the Proteas helped pave the way for the expanded tri-series.
The series will also serve as the first step towards a new Africa Cup concept, which emerged from the ICC Africa Conference hosted by Cricket Namibia in Windhoek earlier this year.
"This will initiate that collaboration between African countries working together, playing against one another and creating a high-level competition for your top African countries," Muller said.
The Africa Cup is planned for launch in 2027 and is expected to provide a sustainable platform for leading African nations to compete regularly at a high level.
Muller also urged Namibian cricket supporters to take advantage of the opportunity to watch international cricket on home soil.
"This is our prime opportunity to host two top countries," he said. "I really want to invite the public to come and enjoy T20 matches and three ODI matches with us. Please come out in your numbers and support our FNB Eagles."
The partnership with FNB Namibia has also grown significantly, from grassroots development to international cricket. FirstRand Namibia CEO Conrad Dempsey reflected on the journey, recalling that FNB's relationship with Namibia cricket began with a much smaller vision.
"FNB's journey with Namibia cricket started under a tree just there behind the parking and today we sit here ready to host international tournaments," Dempsey said.
He highlighted the parallels between cricket and banking, particularly the importance of persistence, consistency, discipline and making good decisions over time.
Dempsey said Cricket Namibia's growth has been driven by strong governance, discipline and a long-term vision, while FNB's support extends beyond the national team through grassroots initiatives such as the Ashburton Cricket Programme.
"It's not just about a moment of brilliance in cricket," Dempsey said. "We believe there's consistent growth coming from this and now at a level of being able to compete at a global level."
The FNB T20 Tri-Series will feature six league matches and a final on 6 September. The FNB Eagles open their campaign against the Proteas on 28 August, followed by South Africa against Zimbabwe on 29 August.
Namibia will face Zimbabwe on 31 August, before Zimbabwe and South Africa meet again on 1 September. The Eagles then play Zimbabwe on 3 September and South Africa on 4 September, with the top two teams progressing to the final.
The T20 tournament will be followed by three ODIs between Namibia and South Africa on 9, 11 and 13 September.
In support of cricket development across Africa, all profits generated from the FNB T20 Tri-Series will be donated to the Africa Cricket Association.
Tickets go on sale on 15 August 2026, while media accreditation applications open on 10 August.
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