Windhoek
Namibia’s young cricketers lost both their preparatory matches ahead of their participation in the upcoming ICC U/19 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Last Saturday, England’s left-arm seamer Sam Curran grabbed five wickets for 10 runs in eight overs to steer his side to a comfortable 155-run win over Namibia. England made 307 for seven after being sent into bat with openers Dan Lawrence (85) and Max Holden (81) sharing a first-wicket stand of 151 runs by the 28th over.
Namibia was bowled out for 152 runs in reply, despite Lohan Louwrens making 44 and Charl Brits 57.
“Tough game against a very strong team. There are plenty of positives to take out of the match and the guys learned a lot considering it’s the first time any of us have experienced these conditions,” assistant team manager Steven Barry said after the first game.
Things didn’t improve much when the Eagles, as the team is known, went up against Zimbabwe on Monday. Zimbabwe’s leg-spinner Blessing Mavuta claimed six wickets for 18 runs to inspire his side to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Namibia in Chittagong.
Namibia was shot out for 120 with SJ Loftie-Eaton top-scoring with 38. Zimbabwe surpassed the modest total in the 23rd over following an opening stand of 108 between Shaun Snyder (60) and Brendan Sly (48).