Namibia’s Eagles cricket team yesterday recorded its first victory at the ongoing T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi after edging Netherlands, winning by six wickets, with six balls remaining.
It was Namibia’s second match at the competition after losing their first match to Sri Lanka by seven wickets on Monday.
The win against Netherlands is sweet revenge after the Dutch beat Namibia in October 2019 by 44 runs in the qualifiers for this world cup.
Beating Netherlands now keeps Namibia’s hopes alive of making it in the Super 12 stage. Netherlands, however, are on the brink of an early exit after also losing their first match against Ireland.
Against Netherlands, Namibia won the toss and bowled first.
After conceding 164 runs, a total which could have been lower after a fielding effort filled with fumbles, Namibia stumbled to 52 for three in the ninth over, and were facing an uphill battle. But a 93-run fourth wicket stand between Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus and David Wiese, which came in 8.3 overs, put Namibia on the brink of victory before Wiese and JJ Smit saw them home.
Wiese was named Player of the Match with 66 of 40 deliveries. He turned Namibia’s innings around with a vintage performance that involved clearing the rope five times.
Speaking to Sportstars, Wiese said it was an awesome win for the team and meant a lot to be part of the world cup.
“It’s awesome. It means a lot to me to be in a World Cup. To be on the international stage is special and to put in a big performance for Namibia, I’m glad to get this opportunity to play international cricket,” he said.
Namibian skipper Gerhard Erasmus said it’s a special moment for Cricket Namibia; its first-ever win on the world cup stage.
Namibia’s next and final Group A will be tomorrow against Ireland.
The 2021 T20 World Cup will be held in two phases, with eight teams battling it out in the first round for four slots in the Super 12, which will be the main event of the tournament.
- Additional information from Sportstars