Namibia send Netherlands packing
Namibia stunned the Netherlands in a crucial T20 Cricket World Cup match in Abu Dhabi yesterday to record a first ever win at the tournament.
Limba Mupetami
WINDHOEK
In the second match for both sides at the International Cricket Council T20 Cricket World Cup, Namibia emerged victorious after chasing down Netherlands and beating them with 166/4 in 20 overs.
Netherlands batted first and managed 164/4. Max O'Dowd scored a sparkling 70 runs, but the Eagles of Namibia responded by chasing down the target, with David Wiese playing a match-winning knock.
Eagles captain, right-hand batsman Gerhard Erasmus, who became the first Namibian batter with 550-plus runs in T20Is – boasting a total of 574 – said it was a special moment in Cricket Namibia’s history to win on the world stage.
“We had to step up on the day and David batted very well. It was a decent surface; some bowled well, seeing the dimensions of the field.
“We did well to an extent. We bowled and fielded well. We run quite a culture in a small cricketing nation - from the administration to managerial set-up - and this is our reward,” he added.
Player of the match
All-rounder Wiese was voted player of the match and said he feels awesome.
“It’s very hot out and a lot of running. We were lucky to get a big over before the drinks break for momentum and then it was about picking the right balls.
“We tried to bat as well as we could. I’m glad to get an opportunity to play international cricket,” he added.
The Namibians, who were on Monday beaten by seven wickets after being dismantled for just 96 by Sri Lanka, will now face their third group match tomorrow at 12h00 against Ireland.
Because they suffered their second successive defeat, Netherlands is out of the tournament.
WINDHOEK
In the second match for both sides at the International Cricket Council T20 Cricket World Cup, Namibia emerged victorious after chasing down Netherlands and beating them with 166/4 in 20 overs.
Netherlands batted first and managed 164/4. Max O'Dowd scored a sparkling 70 runs, but the Eagles of Namibia responded by chasing down the target, with David Wiese playing a match-winning knock.
Eagles captain, right-hand batsman Gerhard Erasmus, who became the first Namibian batter with 550-plus runs in T20Is – boasting a total of 574 – said it was a special moment in Cricket Namibia’s history to win on the world stage.
“We had to step up on the day and David batted very well. It was a decent surface; some bowled well, seeing the dimensions of the field.
“We did well to an extent. We bowled and fielded well. We run quite a culture in a small cricketing nation - from the administration to managerial set-up - and this is our reward,” he added.
Player of the match
All-rounder Wiese was voted player of the match and said he feels awesome.
“It’s very hot out and a lot of running. We were lucky to get a big over before the drinks break for momentum and then it was about picking the right balls.
“We tried to bat as well as we could. I’m glad to get an opportunity to play international cricket,” he added.
The Namibians, who were on Monday beaten by seven wickets after being dismantled for just 96 by Sri Lanka, will now face their third group match tomorrow at 12h00 against Ireland.
Because they suffered their second successive defeat, Netherlands is out of the tournament.
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