ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier | Scorecard
Namibia registered a win after two successive defeats in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, beating the United States of America by 35 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery 1 in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (November 17). Sarel Burger, the captain, led from the front with an all-round effort as Namibia successfully defended 163 for 4.
Orlando Baker attempt a run during his knock of 17. Photo by Graham Crouch-IDI/IDI via Getty Images
Put in to bat, Namibia got off to a good start. Louis van der Westhuizen (10) and Christi Viljoen (32), the openers, put on 60 runs in just 6.3 overs. However, quick wickets meant Namibia found itself 69 for 3, bringing together Craig Williams and Burger for an important fourth-wicket partnership of 76 runs from 62 balls. After Burger was castled by Elmore Hutchinson, having scored 43 off 36 balls including two boundaries and a six, Williams was joined by Jaen Kotze, who remained unbeaten on 15 off 4 balls. Williams scored 37 not out off 33 balls.
Karan Ganesh bowled well, returning 2 for 14 off four overs and was supported by Elmore Hutchinson, who finished with 2 for 31 off three overs.
USA needed some partnerships to chase down a tough target, but none of its batsmen got going, with the exception of Steven Taylor, the wicketkeeper, who hit 44 off 34 to continue his good form. The lack of contributions from the middle order meant that USA fell well short of the target, ending on 128 for 8. Neil McGarrell, the captain, remained unbeaten on 21.
Bernard Scholtz, the left-arm spinner, finished with 2 for 18 off his four overs, and was the pick of the bowlers for Namibia. JJ Smit returned figures of 2 for 25 off three overs, while Burger and Westhuzien took a wicket apiece.
After two previous defeats, Burger said it was exciting to get the first win. “Yes, quite happy with today’s win, we had two tough games up front which did not go our way, but I think the momentum shifted early on in our favour with our batting in the match. We are improving with each game and pretty excited to get our first win under our belt,” he said.
Burger said an improved showing with bat and ball had helped the side execute its plans better. “Last two games our plan did not work that well, but today I think we took wickets regularly and that helped the momentum shift toward us. I won’t say it is part of the gameplan, but if you can take wickets regularly that always helps. I must confess, from the last two games, our bowling has improved a lot as well as the batting. We tumbled a bit in our previous matches, but this one went much better.”
Namibia will now take on Italy in its next match on November 19.
