Ben Shikongo

Ben Shikongo is a premier right-arm medium-fast bowler and a cornerstone of Namibia’s pace attack, known for his high release point and ability to generate discomforting bounce. Born in May 2000, Shikongo emerged from the 2018 Under-19 World Cup as one of the country's most promising talents before making a seamless transition to senior international cricket. As of early 2026, he has become one of Namibia's most reliable wicket-takers, amassing over 35 T20I wickets with an impressive strike rate of 16.03. His ability to lead the attack was most evident during a career-best ODI spell of 4/29 against Oman, where his clinical execution at the death secured a vital victory for the Richelieu Eagles.

Throughout the 2025 season, Shikongo’s stock has continued to rise, highlighted by a series of high-impact performances in the Africa T20 Qualifiers and a disciplined outing against South Africa in October 2025. Currently ranked among the top 160 T20I bowlers globally, his consistency has made him a certain starter for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Beyond his primary role with the ball, he is a sharp fielder with nearly 20 international catches and has shown a growing capacity to provide handy lower-order resistance. As Namibia enters a crucial year of global competition, Shikongo’s combination of raw pace and tactical maturity remains a fundamental component of their quest to upset the world's elite cricketing nations.