In a surprising turn of events, Namibia have beaten Ireland and Netherlands in the race of Super 12. The comfortable eight-wicket win over Ireland earns Namibia the ticket to the next stage with two wins from three games. As Sri Lanka are at the top of their group standings, Namibia will begin their Super 12 campaign against Scotland on October 27.
Wiese finishes it off
Former South African all-rounder David Wiese has been the X-factor Namibia needed to get to the next level. In the low-scoring run chase, Wiese walked in to bat when Namibia needed 53 runs from 40 deliveries. Promoted up the order, Wiese played a fantastic cameo to end Ireland’s hopes of reaching the Super 12. The 36-year-old’s 14-ball 28 helped Namibia chase down the target of 128 with seven balls to spare. His whirlwind cameo included one four and two sixes.
Wiese had help from the other end as well. Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus remained unbeaten for 53 from 49 deliveries. Earlier Craig Williamson scored a 16-ball 15 whereas wicketkeeper-batter Zane Green scored 24 runs from 32 deliveries which increased the required run rate. For Ireland, the double hat-trick taker of first match, Curtis Campher was the only bowler who got wickets. In his three overs, Campher gave just 14 runs and picked up the wickets of both openers. The pacer was supposed to bowl the last over but Wiese finished it off in the penultimate over.
Yet another collapse
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Ireland got off to a good start with openers sharing a 62-run partnership. But, it all went downhill after opener Paul Stirling’s wicket. Stirling top-scored for Ireland with 24-ball 38. Apart from Stirling, Kevin O’Brien and skipper Andrew Balbirnie were the only two batters to scored in double digits. From 94/2 at the start of 15th over, Ireland lost six wickets for just 27 runs and ended up posting a below par total of 125/8. Wiese was in-form with the ball as well with two wickets for 22 runs. Jan Frylinck took three wickets whereas JJ Smits and Bernard Scholtz picked one wicket each.
