The United States delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat Namibia by 70 runs in the ICC CWC League 2 clash at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman. With a solid batting display led by Andries Gous and Monank Patel, followed by disciplined bowling from Saurabh Netravalkar and Milind Kumar, the USA ensured a comfortable win.
After winning the toss, Namibia elected to field, hoping to restrict the USA’s batting lineup. However, opener Andries Gous played a pivotal role in building a competitive total. He scored a well-crafted 83 off 105 balls, anchoring the innings and ensuring stability. His innings featured nine boundaries and a steady strike rate of 79.04.
Gous was well-supported by skipper Monank Patel, who contributed a vital 53 runs off 67 deliveries. The duo put together a crucial second-wicket partnership that set the tone for the middle order. Despite some quick wickets in the middle overs, Aaron Jones (31 off 27) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (41 off 29) provided late fireworks, propelling the USA to a competitive 268/9 in their 50 overs.
Bernard Scholtz was the pick of the Namibian bowlers, claiming an impressive 5/22 in his 10-over spell. Jack Brassell also made significant contributions, taking 2/42.
Chasing 269, Namibia’s innings never gained momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The early dismissals of JP Kotze (7) and Jan Frylinck (0) within the first two overs put them on the back foot. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus (11) also failed to make an impact as Namibia found themselves struggling at 35/3 inside 10 overs.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Zane Green showed resilience with a well-fought 65 off 90 balls, holding the innings together. However, lack of support from the other end meant that Namibia was always behind the required rate. The only late resistance came from Ruben Trumpelmann, who smashed a quickfire 55 off 35 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. Despite his valiant effort, Namibia was bowled out for 198 in 42.3 overs.
The USA bowlers were clinical in their approach, with Saurabh Netravalkar leading the attack. He finished with figures of 3/41 in 8.3 overs, consistently troubling the Namibian batsmen. Milind Kumar also picked up three wickets for 42 runs in his 10 overs, while Jasdeep Singh and Harmeet Singh chipped in with two and one wicket, respectively.
The disciplined bowling effort ensured that Namibia never got back into the game, ultimately handing the USA a convincing 70-run victory.
Andries Gous was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.
