Former South African cricketer David Wiese turned single-handedly turned the tables for Namibia with his blistering knock in the run chase to create history. Namibia registered their first-ever win in a World Cup event with a six-wicket win over Netherlands.
Wiese revives run chase
Chasing a total of 165, Wiese walked in to bat no.5 when Namibia were struggling in the run chase having scored 52 runs for three wickets in the ninth over. Wiese played four consecutive dot balls to start with but turned on the attacking mode in the next over. Batting alongside Gerhard Erasmus, Wiese launched a counter-attack on the Dutch bowlers.
Netherlands bowlers found it hard to restrict the flow of boundaries as Wiese and Erasmus’ big-hitting brought the required run rate down. Even the wicket of Erasmus did not affect the run chase as Wiese continued to hit big. He reached his half-century from just 29 deliveries and at the end remained unbeaten for 66 runs from 40 deliveries including four fours and five sixes.
Boost for NRR
The experience of the veteran helped Namibia chased down the total with six balls to spare. He is only the third player in history to represent two nations in T20 World Cup. The win helped Namibia stay alive in the tournament and improve their net run rate as well after a big loss against Sri Lanka. The run chase of 165 is also Namibia's highest run chase in the format. Their previous best of 138/5 came against Scotland earlier this month.
Earlier, Namibia skipper Erasmus won the toss and opted to bowl first. Netherlands’ opener Max ODowd top-scored for Netherlands with a 56-ball 70 including six fours and one six. ODowd’s half-century helped Netherlands post a total of 164/4 in the first innings. This is Netherlands’ second loss of the group and they are practically out of the Super 12 qualifying race.
