In a significant development, the Namibia Cricket Team scripted history by defeating Tanzania by 58 runs and marking their fifth consecutive win in the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers final 2023, which ultimately sealed their spot in the upcoming ICC T20 WC 2024. This accomplishment marks the third consecutive time Namibia will feature in the T20 World Cup.
Namibia’s all-round domination against Tanzania
Being invited to bat first, Namibia started off pretty well as their openers Michael Van Lingen and Nikolaas Davin crafting a 37-run partnership for the initial wicket. Powered by the destructive knock of JJ Smit, who smashed 40 runs in just 25 balls and explosive short cameos by Zane Green (18 of 12 balls) and Nicole Lofite-Eaton (14 of five balls), the Gerhard Erasmus-led side reached up a healthy total of 157 runs in 20 overs for the loss of six wickets.
Tanzanian bowlers Yalinde Nkanya and Akhil Anil scalped two wickets each for their side, while Johnson Nyambo and Salum Jumbe Ally claimed one wicket each.
In their pursuit of 158 runs, Tanzania’s batting order crumbled from the very beginning as the all-rounder David Wiese sent the opener Ivan Selemani to the pavilion on the last ball of the first over. Skipper Abhik Patwa, who looked in good touch by smashing three boundaries, got dismissed by an unfortunate run-out.
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However, Amal Rajeevan displayed remarkable resilience by holding one end and scoring 41 runs in 45 balls. Still, the below-par batting from the other end and the highly economical bowling by the Namibian bowlers restricted them to 99 runs in their allotted 20 overs on the loss of six wickets.
Host for T20 World Cup 2024
The highly prestigious T20I World Cup 2024 will jointly be hosted by the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies. A total of 20 teams will feature in the highly esteemed event, with the ultimate aim to achieve title glory.
