By Tim Douglas 
Match Context: Zimbabwe vs Namibia – 2nd T20I 2025 Preview
The series is finely poised after Zimbabwe won the 1st T20I by 33 runs, breaking Namibia’s winning streak. The hosts will be eager to seal the series early, while Namibia will look to bounce back and force a decider.
Both sides rely on their all-round strength – Zimbabwe with Sikandar Raza’s experience and Namibia with their fearless young batters.
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Date & Time: September 16, 2025, 4:30 PM local
Series: Namibia tour of Zimbabwe – 3-match T20I series
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
- Zimbabwe: ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅
- Namibia: ✅ 🅰️ ✅ ✅ ❌
Zimbabwe are inconsistent but delivered in the opener. Namibia had been on a roll before the defeat and will be desperate to respond.
Players to Watch
Zimbabwe
- Brian Bennett – Form player with 344 runs @ 34.4 avg, 131.8 SR, aggressive at the top.
- Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe’s talisman, 221 runs & 9 wickets in last 10 games, balances the XI.
- Richard Ngarava – Strike bowler with 13 wickets @ 14.61 SR, key with new ball.
Namibia
- Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton – Explosive youngster, 198 runs @ 39.6 avg, 173.68 SR, capable of match-winning knocks.
- Gerhard Erasmus – Skipper and stabilizer, 205 runs @ 29.29 avg, also handy with the ball.
- Ruben Trumpelmann – Left-arm pace threat, 10 wickets in 6 matches, loves early breakthroughs.
- JJ Smit – In form all-rounder, 7 wickets @ 5.73 econ, X-factor in both departments.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
- 15 Sep 2025 – Zimbabwe won by 33 runs (Bulawayo)
- 22 Nov 2023 – Namibia won by 7 wickets
- 30 Oct 2023 – Namibia won by 8 runs
- 29 Oct 2023 – Namibia won by 7 wickets
- 27 Oct 2023 – Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets
Namibia lead the recent rivalry 3-2, but Zimbabwe took the upper hand in the latest clash.
Pitch & Conditions – Bulawayo
- Generally a batting-friendly surface, but can assist seamers under lights.
- Spinners get grip as the game progresses.
- Scores of 160–175 often competitive.
Key Battles
- Bennett vs Trumpelmann – Zimbabwe’s aggressive opener vs Namibia’s left-arm swing bowler.
- Raza vs Erasmus – Two experienced leaders who influence the game in all departments.
- Loftie-Eaton vs Ngarava – Namibia’s power hitter against Zimbabwe’s strike pacer.
Prediction Zimbabwe vs Namibia – 2nd T20I 2025
- Zimbabwe have momentum after their 1st T20I win and home advantage.
- Namibia are still dangerous with Loftie-Eaton and Trumpelmann in form.
Slight edge: Zimbabwe – but expect Namibia to push hard and possibly take it to a decider.
Anas Ahmed