Maqonda Ndlovu
Karnataka Cricket Club crushed Namibia’s Richelieu Eagles by nine wickets on Wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in the five One Day Series at the United Cricket Ground.
This is the second time in the series that Karnataka has beaten Namibia by nine wickets following their triumph on Friday, 2 June.
Namibia responded to tie the series one-all on Sunday, 4 June following a five-wicket victory.
On Wednesday, the visitors won the toss and sent the Eagles to bat.
Namibia’s opening top-order batters crumbled to 92 runs for the loss of seven wickets (92/7) in 22 overs.
Bernard Scholtz and Zane Green partnered for 91 runs in the 9th wicket to lead a mini Eagles revival before the home team was bowled out for a respectable 226 scoreline.
The visiting opening batters did not waste time in chasing the scoreboard, as Revanna Chethan and Jose Nikin scored quick-fire centuries to reach 227/1 in 33.4 overs.
The Eagles were missing the services of captain Gerhard Erasmus due to illness, with Jan Frylinck taking over.
Speaking after the game, Frylinck said his team had a bad day at the office.
Chethan was named man of the match.
The Eagles have so far failed to claim more than five wickets in the three matches played in the series, with game four taking place today at the same venue.
Game five is scheduled for Sunday.