Hey cricket fans! If you’re tuning into the thrilling world of international T20 action, the Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 is the match everyone’s talking about. With Zimbabwe holding a commanding 2-0 lead in this Namibia tour of Zimbabwe 2025 series, the hosts are on the brink of a historic whitewash. But don’t count out Namibia just yet—their captain Gerhard Erasmus and explosive opener Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton are gearing up for a pride-saving fightback. This dead rubber at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo could turn into a high-voltage showdown, blending Zimbabwe’s home dominance with Namibia’s never-say-die spirit.
Imagine the roar of the 9,000-strong crowd as Sikandar Raza leads his Chevrons out, chasing that clean sweep to boost morale ahead of the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. Namibia, fresh off a 3-0 sweep against Canada earlier this year, arrives hungry to avoid a series humiliation. The stakes? For Zimbabwe, it’s momentum-building glory; for Namibia, it’s salvaging respect on foreign soil. We’ve seen fireworks in the first two games—Zimbabwe’s 211/3 in the opener and a nail-biting chase in the second. What twists await in this finale?
In this detailed preview, we’ll break down everything you need to know: from squad breakdowns and player spotlights to pitch secrets, weather vibes, and our winning prediction. Whether you’re a die-hard ZIM fan or rooting for an NAM upset, stick around for stats in easy tables, live streaming guides, and tips to amp up your viewing. Who do you think takes this one? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s chat cricket!
Check out our 1st T20I recap here for more series highlights.)
Series Context: Namibia Tour of Zimbabwe 2025 – Building Momentum for Bigger Battles
The Namibia tour of Zimbabwe 2025 isn’t just another bilateral series—it’s a crucial stepping stone for both teams in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, kicking off on September 26. This three-match T20I showdown, all hosted at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, pits two African rivals against each other. Zimbabwe, ranked higher in the ICC T20I standings (around 11th), started strong with a 33-run win in the opener on September 15, powered by Brian Bennett’s explosive 94 off 51 balls. They followed it up with a five-wicket chase of 170 on September 16, sealing the series with balls to spare.
For Namibia (around 14th in rankings), it’s been a tough tour so far. They posted 178/7 chasing 212 in the first game and managed 169/6 in the second, but couldn’t defend or chase effectively. Yet, their recent 3-0 whitewash over Canada in March 2025 shows they’re no pushovers. This series helps both squads fine-tune strategies—Zimbabwe experimenting with youngsters like Tashinga Musekiwa, while Namibia looks to ignite their batting under Erasmus.
Here’s a quick table summarizing the series so far:
| Match | Date | Result | Key Performer (ZIM) | Key Performer (NAM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Sep 15, 2025 | ZIM won by 33 runs (ZIM 211/3, NAM 178/7) | Brian Bennett (94 off 51) | Jan Frylinck (45 off 28) |
| 2nd T20I | Sep 16, 2025 | ZIM won by 5 wkts (NAM 169/6, ZIM 170/5) | Ryan Burl (unbeaten 34) | Gerhard Erasmus (42 off 30) |
| 3rd T20I | Sep 18, 2025 | Yet to be played | – | – |
Zimbabwe’s all-round depth has shone through, but Namibia’s bowlers like Ruben Trumpelmann (11 wickets in recent 6 games) could turn the tide. As per experts on ESPNcricinfo, this tour underscores Africa’s growing T20 talent pool. Excited? Follow live scores on Cricbuzz for real-time updates!
Match Details: Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 – All You Need to Know
Mark your calendars, folks—the Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 is set for Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This day game starts at 1:30 PM local time (11:30 AM GMT), giving fans a full afternoon of edge-of-the-seat cricket. With the series already in Zimbabwe’s pocket, expect rotations: ZIM might rest a star or two, while NAM pushes for a consolation win.
Officials include local umpires like Forster Mutizwa and Iknow Chabi, with Langton Rusere as TV umpire—ensuring fair play in this heated rivalry. The match referee is yet to be confirmed, but it’s bound to be a neutral ICC appointee.
Check this table for at-a-glance details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | Zimbabwe (ZIM) vs Namibia (NAM) |
| Format | T20 International (3rd Match) |
| Date | September 18, 2025 |
| Toss Time | 1:00 PM Local (11:00 AM GMT) |
| Match Start | 1:30 PM Local (11:30 AM GMT) |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Umpires | Forster Mutizwa, Iknow Chabi (Reserve: Langton Rusere) |
| Series | Namibia Tour of Zimbabwe 2025 |
This fixture is more than a game—it’s a pride clash. For deeper insights, head to Cricadium’s prediction page. What’s your toss prediction? Let us know!
Venue Guide: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo – Stats and Records That Define T20 Drama
Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is a cricket gem, established way back in 1890. This historic ground, with its 9,000 capacity, has been Zimbabwe’s go-to venue outside Harare since the late 19th century. Named after Queen Victoria, it features the City End and Airport End, offering picturesque views amid Bulawayo’s “City of Kings” vibe. It’s hosted legends and upsets, from Zimbabwe’s 2003 ODI thrillers to recent T20 qualifiers.
In T20Is, it’s a balanced paradise: true bounce early for pacers, then flattening for big hits. Zimbabwe boasts a stellar home record here, winning 14 of 18 T20Is. Visiting teams? Just 4 victories. The short boundaries (65-70m) make it a six-hitter’s delight, but spinners grip well in the middle overs.
Dive into these T20I stats in table form—pulled from reliable sources like Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo:
| Stat Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 22 |
| Wins Batting First | 14 (64%) |
| Wins Chasing | 8 (36%) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 149 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 126 |
| Highest Team Total | 236/5 (ZIM vs SIN) |
| Lowest Team Total | 57/10 (ZIM vs PAK) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 191/5 (AFG vs ZIM) |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/3 (Tendai Chatara vs BAN) |
Notable moments? Zimbabwe’s 198/5 vs Namibia in this very series opener shattered records! The venue favors hosts, with pacers like Richard Ngarava thriving early (econ under 7 in powerplays). For more venue deep-dives, visit Advance Cricket. Queens Sports Club T20I magic awaits—grab your popcorn!
Pitch Report and Surface Analysis: Dew Factor, Impact, and Favorable Conditions for ZIM vs NAM
The pitch at Queens Sports Club for the Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025? A classic Bulawayo beauty—grassy early for seamers, then true and bouncy for batters. Expect initial swing (perfect for Ngarava or Trumpelmann), easing into a high-scoring track post-powerplay. Average first-innings totals hover around 160-180, but we’ve seen 200+ in this series already. Spinners like Raza or Scholtz could rule the middle (econ ~6.5), while short boundaries invite sixes.
Dew factor? Negligible here—it’s a 1:30 PM start, so no evening moisture to worry about. That levels the playing field, making toss less pivotal (though batting first has won 64% historically). Impact prediction: Pacers snag 2-3 early wickets; batters dominate if they survive the new ball. Favorable conditions lean towards aggressive openers and cutters from bowlers.
Key pitch insights in this handy table (sourced from SportsF1 and Sporting News):
| Aspect | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Early Overs (Pacers) | Swing & seam; econ <7 |
| Middle Overs (Spinners) | Grip available; favors control |
| Death Overs (Batters) | Flattens; SR 140+ possible |
| Dew Impact | Minimal (day game) |
| Expected Score (1st Bat) | 160-180 |
| Toss Recommendation | Bat first (64% win rate) |
This surface rewards balance—Zimbabwe’s all-rounders could exploit it. For live pitch updates during the game, tune into Economic Times. Pitch report Bulawayo style: Exciting times ahead!
Weather Forecast: Clear Skies for Uninterrupted Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 Action
Good news for fans—no rain to spoil the fun! Bulawayo’s weather on September 18, 2025, promises sunny skies with highs of 33°C (91°F) daytime and cooling to 16°C (61°F) by late afternoon. Humidity around 40%, light winds at 10-15 km/h, and zero precipitation chance make it ideal for a full 40-over thriller.
From forecasts on AccuWeather and local met offices (via Economic Times), expect clear conditions boosting batting strike rates. No dew worries either, so bowlers stay sharp.
Weather snapshot table:
| Parameter | Forecast (Sep 18, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Temperature (Day) | 33°C / 91°F |
| Temperature (Eve) | 16°C / 61°F |
| Cloud Cover | 25% |
| Rain Chance | 0% |
| Humidity | 40% |
| Wind Speed | 10-15 km/h |
T20I weather forecast looks perfect—pure cricket all the way. Stay hydrated if you’re at the ground!
Squad Analysis and Probable Playing XI: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Impact Players
Zimbabwe’s squad screams balance, with Sikandar Raza’s all-round wizardry at the helm. Their batting firepower (Bennett’s SR 137+) and pace attack (Ngarava’s 13 wickets in 9) have dismantled Namibia so far. Weakness? Occasional top-order wobbles. Namibia relies on Erasmus’s steady hand and Smit’s bowling all-round skills, but top collapses (avg 25 this series) hurt. Their bowlers shine vs weaker sides, per Cricbuzz squads.
Probable XIs based on recent lineups (from Times of India and Indian Express):
Zimbabwe Probable XI: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani. Impact Players: Dion Myers (bat), Trevor Gwandu (bowl).
Namibia Probable XI: Jan Frylinck, Malan Kruger, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Jack Brassell. Impact Players: Louren Steenkamp (all-round), Jan de Villiers (bowl).
Squad comparison table:
| Team | Strengths | Weaknesses | Key All-Rounder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | Deep batting, pace variety | Inconsistent openers | Sikandar Raza |
| Namibia | Potent bowling (Trumpelmann) | Middle-order fragility | JJ Smit |
Zimbabwe cricket team edges it, but Namibia’s fightback potential is real. Who’s in your fantasy XI? Drop it in the comments!
Players to Watch: Stars Ready to Shine in Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025
In a match like this, a few heroes can flip the script. Brian Bennett (ZIM) has been a revelation—376 runs in 10 matches at 37.6 avg, SR 137.72, including 94 in the opener. Ryan Burl (ZIM) adds 208 runs at SR 136.84, with handy off-spin. For Namibia, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton’s 245 runs in 7 at SR 170.13 could explode early, while Gerhard Erasmus (206 runs in 10 at SR 139.18) anchors the chase.
Bowlers? Richard Ngarava (ZIM: 13 wkts in 9, econ 7.74) and Ruben Trumpelmann (NAM: 11 wkts in 6, econ 9.74) lead the pack. JJ Smit (NAM: 9 wkts in 4, econ 6.73) is a death-over menace.
Top performers table (recent 2025 stats from ESPNcricinfo and MyKhel):
| Player | Team | Role | Matches | Runs/Wkts | Avg | SR/Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Bennett | ZIM | Allrounder | 10 | 376 runs | 37.6 | 137.72 |
| Ryan Burl | ZIM | Allrounder | 10 | 208 runs | 29.71 | 136.84 |
| Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton | NAM | Batter | 7 | 245 runs | 40.83 | 170.13 |
| Gerhard Erasmus | NAM | Allrounder | 10 | 206 runs | 29.43 | 139.18 |
| Richard Ngarava | ZIM | Bowler | 9 | 13 wkts | – | 7.74 |
| Ruben Trumpelmann | NAM | Bowler | 6 | 11 wkts | – | 9.74 |
| JJ Smit | NAM | Allrounder | 4 | 9 wkts | – | 6.73 |
| Sikandar Raza | ZIM | Allrounder | 9 | 8 wkts | – | 7.55 |
Sikandar Raza performance could be match-defining—his 8 wickets in 9 at econ 7.55 adds bite. Gerhard Erasmus stats show resilience, with 52 runs in 4 ILT20 2025 games. Watch Loftie-Eaton vs Ngarava—fireworks guaranteed! For betting tips, check Cricadium. Players to watch T20I edition: Who’s your pick for POTM?
Head to Head Stats and Records: ZIM vs NAM Rivalry Heats Up
Zimbabwe and Namibia have a storied T20I rivalry—13 clashes overall, with Namibia edging 7-6 historically. But at home, ZIM leads 4-2, and their 2-0 series stranglehold flips the narrative. Recent games? ZIM’s back-to-back wins in 2025, but NAM swept 3-0 in 2023.
Last 5 H2H table (from MyKhel and ESPNcricinfo):
| Date | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 16, 2025 | ZIM won | 5 wkts (11 balls rem) |
| Sep 15, 2025 | ZIM won | 33 runs |
| Nov 22, 2023 | NAM won | 7 wkts (32 balls rem) |
| Oct 30, 2023 | NAM won | 8 runs |
| Oct 29, 2023 | NAM won | 7 wkts (8 balls rem) |
Overall H2H: Avg 1st inns 145; ZIM’s highest 211/4 (2023). Head-to-head stats ZIM vs NAM show Zimbabwe’s home edge growing. Dive deeper on NDTV Sports. Cricket match prediction: History favors ZIM here.
Recent Performances and Forms: ZIM’s Hot Streak vs NAM’s Resilience
Zimbabwe’s form? Red-hot at home: W W L W L in last 5 T20Is, including series wins over SL chases. Bennett and Raza fire on all cylinders. Namibia? L L W W A—strong vs CAN (3-0), but tour woes expose batting frailties (101 all out in a prior low).
Recent form table:
| Team | Last 5 Results | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | W W L W L | Chased 170 vs NAM (Sep 16) |
| Namibia | L L W W A | 8-wkt win vs CAN (Mar 23) |
ZIM’s SR 140+ in series screams confidence. NAM’s econ 8.5 in losses? Room for improvement. Recent performances show ZIM peaking—per Cricket World.
Toss Prediction and Impact: 50-50 Call in Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025
Toss? 50-50 on this balanced pitch, but ZIM’s Raza (6/8 home wins) might bowl first for early breakthroughs. Impact: Batting first adds 10-15 runs; chasing suits ZIM’s middle order. Prediction: ZIM wins toss, bowls (55% chance). Ties into cricket match prediction—toss winner takes 60% edge here.
Winning Prediction: Zimbabwe Edges Namibia in Thrilling 3rd T20I Finish
Zimbabwe are favorites (75% win prob) for the whitewash, per Cricadium. Home soil, form, and depth seal it—expect ZIM 175/5 defending vs NAM 145. Key battles: Loftie-Eaton vs Ngarava; Raza vs Erasmus. POTM: Raza (all-round). NAM’s upset shot? Early wickets. Bold call: ZIM by 25 runs!
Live Streaming and Broadcasting: How to Watch ZIM vs NAM 3rd T20I
Catch the action live! In India: FanCode app/website (sub required). Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport TV/app. Global: Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube (free), ICC.tv for highlights. USA/UK: Willow TV/Sling. Radio: ZBC FM. Scores: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz.
Options table (from Wisden and OneCricket):
| Region | Platform |
|---|---|
| India | FanCode (App/Website) |
| Africa | SuperSport (TV/App) |
| Global Free | Zim Cricket YouTube |
| USA/UK | Willow TV/Sling |
| Live Scores | ESPNcricinfo/Cricbuzz |
T20I live streaming sorted—watch now! Stream on FanCode.
Quick Answers
When is Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025? Sep 18, 2025, 1:30 PM local at Queens Sports Club.
Who are the captains? Sikandar Raza (ZIM), Gerhard Erasmus (NAM).
Where to watch live? FanCode (India), Zim Cricket YouTube (global).
Pitch report Bulawayo? Batting-friendly post-powerplay; 160-180 par score.
Head-to-head stats ZIM vs NAM? NAM leads 7-6 overall; ZIM 2-0 this series.
Winning prediction? ZIM to win by 20-30 runs.
Got questions? Comment below—we reply fast!
Conclusion: Whitewash Glory Awaits in Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025
What a buildup! The Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 caps a series of dominance for ZIM, but NAM’s pride could spark magic. With Raza’s flair and Erasmus’s grit, expect fireworks at Queens Sports Club. Our cricket match prediction: ZIM seals 3-0. Vote in our poll: Who wins? (Raza POTM, Erasmus upset, or other?) Follow live on FanCode and share your take—cricket unites us!
FAQ: Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 – Key Questions Answered
1. When and where is the Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 happening? The Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 is scheduled for September 18, 2025, at 1:30 PM local time (11:30 AM GMT) at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This Namibia tour of Zimbabwe 2025 match is set for a thrilling day game.
2. Who are the captains for Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025? Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe, showcasing stellar all-round performance, while Gerhard Erasmus captains Namibia, known for his gritty batting and leadership. Both are key players to watch in this T20I cricket Bulawayo clash.
3. Where can I watch Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025 live? Fans can catch T20I live streaming on FanCode (India), SuperSport (Africa), or Zimbabwe Cricket’s YouTube channel (global, free). Live scores are available on ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz for real-time updates.
4. What’s the pitch report for Bulawayo in Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025? The Queens Sports Club T20I pitch is batting-friendly post-powerplay, offering early seam movement for pacers. Expect scores of 160-180, with minimal dew impact due to the day game, per pitch report Bulawayo insights.
5. What’s the head-to-head record for Zimbabwe vs Namibia in T20Is? In 13 T20I encounters, Namibia leads 7-6 overall, but Zimbabwe dominates at home (4-2). The head-to-head stats ZIM vs NAM show ZIM winning both 2025 series games, per ESPNcricinfo records.
6. Who are the key players to watch in Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025? Sikandar Raza (ZIM, 8 wickets, 7.55 econ) and Brian Bennett (376 runs, SR 137.72) shine for Zimbabwe. For Namibia, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (SR 170.13) and Gerhard Erasmus stats (206 runs, SR 139.18) are crucial.
7. What’s the weather forecast for Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025? Bulawayo’s weather on September 18, 2025, predicts sunny skies, 33°C daytime, 0% rain chance, and 40% humidity. Perfect for uninterrupted T20I cricket Bulawayo action, per AccuWeather.
8. What’s the cricket match prediction for Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025? Zimbabwe is favored to win (75% chance), eyeing a 3-0 whitewash with home advantage and form. Expect ZIM 175/5 vs NAM 145, per cricket match prediction sources like Cricadium.
9. What’s the toss impact in Zimbabwe vs Namibia 3rd T20I 2025? Toss is 50-50, but batting first at Queens Sports Club T20I (64% win rate) adds 10-15 runs. Zimbabwe may bowl first to exploit early swing, impacting cricket match prediction outcomes.
10. Why is the Namibia tour of Zimbabwe 2025 series significant? The Namibia tour of Zimbabwe 2025 prepares both teams for the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. Zimbabwe aims for momentum, while Namibia seeks pride after a 2-0 deficit, per Cricket World insights.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments on IPL Star and let’s talk cricket!