African qualifying for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup is underway as the first of three sub-regional qualifying events began today in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

The opening session saw Malawi take on Lesotho at the Dar Gymkhana Club Ground, with Malawi put into bat after losing the toss. Sami Sohail top scored for them with 64 from 46 balls as they scored 145-4 from their 20 overs. Only two batters reached double figures in the Lesotho reply as they were bowled out for 52, losing by 93 runs. Daniel Jakiel and Suhail Vayani both took four wickets.

Malawi celebrate a wicket (Tanzania Cricket Association)

The two games in the afternoon session were much lower scoring affairs. At the Dar Gymkhana, Cameroon were bowled out for just 40 with Richmond Baaleri taking 4-6 and Obed Harvey 3-5. Ghana knocked off the runs in 8.1 overs to win by eight wickets.

At the University ground, Mali were bundled out for just 18 runs by hosts Tanzania with Sanjaykumar Thakor taking four wickets for four runs. The Tanzanian run chased lasted just five balls as they completed a straightforward ten wicket win.

Play continues tomorrow in the six team tournament. In the morning session Cameroon take on Mali and Ghana play Malawi, whilst hosts Tanzania will come up against Lesotho in the afternoon session.