T20 World Cup: Namibia stay alive with historic win against the Netherlands

Namibia’s first-ever men’s World Cup win is a magical moment, but it was fully deserved after an impressive all-round performance.

David Wiese is known for delivering a fantastic performance with the bat . (Image Credit: Twitter/@ICC)
By Arnab Mukherji | Oct 20, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Namibia recorded a historic win in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 on Wednesday, following a stunning six-wicket triumph against the Netherlands. The former recorded their first ever win in an edition of the T20 World Cup, following a stunning performance by all-rounder David Wiese. Wiese smashed a 40-ball 66 to help Namibia chase down a target of 165 runs. The all-rounder held his nerve despite the loss of a few early wickets to get the job done and dusted. Wiese’s innings comprised of four boundaries and five sixes, with skipper Gerhard Erasmus (32 off 22) providing valuable support. The Netherlands managed to reach a total of 164 following a fantastic knock by opener Max ODowd. Max smashed 70 runs from 56 deliveries in an innings comprising of six boundaries and a six. Scott Edwards provided a fine finish down the order, accumulating 21 runs off 11 balls.

“I’m exhausted, it’s pretty hot out there. It was just a case of picking the right sides, as one of them was a shorter side. We were lucky to get that big over before the drinks break, it gave us the momentum. It’s a special moment, playing such a knock in a World Cup match. I would like to thank Namibia for giving me a chance to represent them,” stated Wiese after being named as the Player of the Match.

“Special win indeed for us. At the halfway mark of the chase, it was tough. Credit to Wiese for playing that special innings. Was a bit tough bowling with the short boundary on one side. Both sides didn’t really nail their bowling and fielding fully well. From the coaching to the administration and the players, it’s a really special day for everyone,” said Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus.

Netherlands captain Pieter Seelar admitted that it was very tough for his team following the defeat.

“I think it was a par score. Namibia bowled well but not entirely great. We were worse. In hindsight obviously (would have bowled himself more). We went with a few choices that didn’t go well. Very tough. If Ireland beat Sri Lanka, we have a chance but if not, have to finish things with a strong performance,” he stated.

Sri Lanka thrash Ireland by 70 runs

Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 70 runs in a one-sided encounter on Wednesday. Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga smashed (61) and (71) off 47 deliveries respectively. Joshua Little was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland accounting for four dismissals. None of the other Ireland batsmen barring skipper Andrew Balbirnie (41) managed to make much of an impact. The team was eventually bowled out for 101, having been handed a target of 172 runs. Maheesh Theekshana and Chamika Karunaratne were the key performers with the ball for Sri Lanka, accounting for three and two wickets respectively.

“When I went into bat, I tried to give myself sometime and then got an idea on how to go about things. Managed to accelerate after that. I like to think that I’m a batting all-rounder,” said Hasaranga, after being named as the Player of the Match.





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