The FNB Eagles delivered a thrilling six-wicket victory over India’s Assam Cricket Association in the opening match of their five-game 50-over series at the FNB Namibia Cricket Stadium on Saturday. 

Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus won the toss and opted to field first. 

The visitors were bowled out for 232 in 49.4 overs, with middle-order batter Saahil Jain top-scoring with a composed 54 off 58 balls. 

Seamers JJ Smit (2/20 in 8.4 overs), Ruben Trumpelmann (2/34 in 7) and Dylan Leicher (2/17 in 5) were the pi ck of the attack, ensuring that Assam never fully settled into a dominant position at the crease. 

Opening batter WP Myburgh made his debut, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 88 from 135 balls, including four boundaries. 

Nicol Loftie-Eaton stole the spotlight with a blistering 58 off just 40 balls, smashing seven fours and a six to earn the Player of the Match accolade and steer Namibia comfortably to victory. 

The second match in the five-game series between the FNB Eagles and Assam will take place on Monday at the same venue at 9h30 and again on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na