Namibia will return to action on Friday when they face India-A in their final ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match, buoyed by a confidence-boosting six-run victory over Scotland in Bengaluru, India, yesterday.
The FNB Eagles made a strong statement in their opening warm-up outing, producing an all-round performance that underlined their batting depth and composure under pressure.
After winning the toss, captain Gerhard Erasmus opted to bat first, a decision that paid handsome dividends.
Openers Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp laid a formidable foundation, combining for a blistering 137-run partnership for the first wicket.
The stand not only set the tone for Namibia’s win but also rewrote the record books, becoming Namibia’s highest partnership in T20 internationals, surpassing the previous mark of 135 set by Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Malan Kruger against Nepal in February 2024.
Frylinck led the charge with a commanding 88 off just 44 balls, striking 13 fours and three sixes in a knock that mixed power with placement. Steenkamp matched his intensity at the other end, racing to 51 off 24 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes, at an imposing strike rate of 212.5.
The momentum was maintained by the middle order, with Erasmus finishing unbeaten on 33 from 22 balls, while JJ Smit chipped in with 22 off 17 balls.
Ruben Trumpelmann added late impetus with a quick 25 off 13 balls before being run out on the final delivery.
Namibia closed their innings on an imposing 226 for four.
Scotland responded with intent, led by a sensational counterattack from Brandon McMullen.
The Scottish all-rounder smashed 95 off just 39 balls, threatening to turn the contest on its head. His innings came to an end just short of a century when Ruben Trumpelmann took a sharp catch off Erasmus’ bowling.
Despite the onslaught, Namibia held its nerve in the closing stages.
Max Heingo was the pick of the bowlers with 2/44, dismissing opener Michael Jones early and later removing Tom Bruce.
Bernard Scholtz, usually economical, conceded 41 runs but still managed to claim a wicket.
The decisive moment came in the final over. Scotland needed 12 runs, with captain Richie Berrington well set on 46 off 26 balls, having struck a six in the previous over.
JJ Smit, however, delivered under pressure, bowling Berrington at 19.2 overs and conceding just five runs in the last over to seal a dramatic six-run victory.
Smit finished with figures of 1/31 from four overs.