By Tim Douglas 
Zimbabwe vs Namibia – 1st T20I 2025 Preview
Zimbabwe and Namibia renew their rivalry in the shortest format as the first T20I gets underway in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe are desperate to bounce back after a string of losses in recent T20Is. Namibia come in with momentum, having won 3 of their last 4 matches, including strong performances against associate nations.
This series is crucial for both sides in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Recent Form (Last 5 T20Is)
- Zimbabwe: ❌ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌
- Namibia: 🅰️ ✅ 🅰️ ✅ ✅
Namibia clearly carry the stronger form and confidence into this clash.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 T20Is)
- Namibia won by 7 wickets – Nov 2023
- Namibia won by 8 runs – Oct 2023
- Namibia won by 7 wickets – Oct 2023
- Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets – Oct 2023
- Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets – Oct 2023
Overall: Namibia 3 – 2 Zimbabwe in last five encounters.
Namibia have edged ahead in recent battles.
Players to Watch
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza: The all-rounder remains Zimbabwe’s heartbeat – expected to contribute in both departments.
- Brian Bennett: Promising young batter, bringing energy to the top order.
- Richard Ngarava: Zimbabwe’s strike bowler with pace and aggression.
Namibia
- Gerhard Erasmus: Skipper and anchor, crucial for holding the innings together.
- JJ Smit: Hard-hitting all-rounder who can swing momentum quickly.
- Ruben Trumpelmann: Left-arm quick who troubled Zimbabwe last series.
Pitch & Conditions – Bulawayo
- Traditionally offers some seam movement early before spinners get into play.
- Average first innings score: 150–160.
- Toss: Teams might prefer batting first and applying scoreboard pressure.
Key Battles
- Sikandar Raza vs Ruben Trumpelmann – Star all-rounder against Namibia’s left-arm pace threat.
- Gerhard Erasmus vs Richard Ngarava – Namibia’s captain against Zimbabwe’s spearhead.
- JJ Smit vs Zimbabwe spinners – middle-overs power battle.
Prediction Zimbabwe vs Namibia 1st T20I 2025 Preview
- Namibia edge the contest based on recent dominance and form.
- Zimbabwe’s best chance lies in Raza firing with bat & ball and Ngarava striking early.
Slight favourites: Zimbabwe, but expect a close contest in Bulawayo.
Anas Ahmed