Namibia have decided to name a young squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup that will commence from February 7. Five of the players that they have chosen in their 15-member squad have played less than 10 games each in international cricket. The Namibia team received a massive boost recently with the inclusion of Gary Kirsten.
Kirsten named as the consultant
The former South Africa cricketer and India coach was appointed as the team's consultant on December 7 last year during the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. He is quite a successful coach and can turn out to play a major role in Namibia's success in the major tournament.
Gerhard Erasmus will be the one captaining the team in the tournament and he will accompanied by many familiar names in the squad like Bernard Scholtz, Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann and Ben Shikongo. On the other hand, the likes of Jack Brassell, Max Heingo, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Balt and Willem Myburgh are the inexperienced players that Namibia have opted to go for.
Namibia come into the tournament having won their one-off T20I against South Africa back in October. It was a historical win for the Erasmus and Co. who went on to chase down the 135-run target on the final delivery of their innings to win the game in thrilling fashion.
Namibia named in the same group as India
Namibia have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Natherlands, Pakistan and USA. They will begin their campaign with the clash against Natherlands on February 10 at the Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi. They will be playing India at the same venue on February 12 before locking horns against USA at the MA Chidambaram stadium on February 15. They will wrap up their league stage with the clash against Pakistan on February 18.
Namibia's squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Gerhard Erasmus (capt), Zane Green (wk), Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, Jan Balt, Dylan Leicher, Willem Myburgh, Max Heingo, Alexander Busing-Volschenk (travelling reserve)