The stadium is expected to host games during the 2026 Men’s U-19 World Cup and the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup

Namibia is set to host South Africa for a historic first international cricket match between the two nations, a one-off T20I on October 11th, to inaugurate Namibia’s newly constructed stadium in Windhoek.

This match will mark the official opening of Cricket Namibia’s first dedicated stadium for international matches. Previously, international games were held at the Wanderers, a club ground also in Windhoek. The new facility, under construction since 2021 and boasting a 7,000-seat capacity, will serve as a venue for both the 2026 Men’s U-19 World Cup and the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, for which Namibia is a co-host alongside Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively. The stadium also houses Namibia’s high-performance center.

Johann Muller, CEO of Cricket Namibia, expressed his delight, stating that the new ground has been a four-year dream finally realized and that a match against their top-tier cricketing neighbor is the perfect way to open the world-class facility.

Despite being neighboring countries, South Africa and Namibia have never played an international match against each other, whether bilateral or in a tournament. This upcoming fixture signifies a growing relationship within African cricket. Both South Africa and Zimbabwe are actively involved with the African Cricket Association, with discussions ongoing about increasing such fixtures to promote the game’s growth on the continent. In another sign of strengthening ties, South Africa will also tour Zimbabwe later this year for the first time in 11 years, for two Tests and a T20I tri-series.

Pholesti Moseki, CEO of Cricket South Africa, conveyed their honor to be part of this historic occasion, recognizing Namibia as a competitive side and the fixture as a reflection of cricket’s rising strength in Africa. He also highlighted South Africa’s pride in supporting the opening of a new ground that will be a host venue for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Before this match, Namibia will participate in the Africa T20 World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, competing for two available spots in next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Namibia has participated in the last three T20 World Cups, with a notable victory over Sri Lanka in 2022.