JJ Smit starred with bat and ball as Namibia beat Tanzania by 63 runs in Harare on Thursday to qualify for a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup.

The 29-year-old struck an unbeaten 61 and took 3-16 in the African qualifier. Hosts Zimbabwe and Kenya will compete for the other place later on Thursday.

Put in to bat by Tanzania, Namibia recovered from losing four wickets with only 41 runs on the board to post 174-6 off 20 overs at Harare Sports Club. Tanzania made 111-8 in reply.

Smit and captain Gerhard Erasmus (55) swung the match in favour of the Namibians, adding 88 runs for the fifth wicket.

Smit struck four sixes and a four in his 43-ball innings while Erasmus, who captained Namibia in their previous three World Cup appearances, hit six fours.

Apart from opener Abhik Patwa, whose 31 off 31 deliveries included a six and three fours, Tanzania struggled in reply, quickly falling behind the required run rate and never recovering.

Ben Shikongo also took three wickets as Namibia became the 16th qualifiers for the 7 February to 8 March tournament, which holders India and Sri Lanka will co-host.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: @CricketNamibia1/X