After securing a win in their first game, Netherlands and Namibia locked horns in their second match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
A Horror Start for Namibia
Batting first, Namibia lost their first wicket in the second over as La Kock dragged one straight to long-off. Van Lingen arrived at the crease and played some fine shots before Ackerman removed him for 20(19).
Things got even worse for the batting side as van Meekeren provided the Dutch with their third wicket at the score of 32 in the last over of the powerplay.
They Couldn’t Get out of that Initial Stutter
Dutch bowlers tightened the screws on the scoring rate as pressure mounted on the Namibian batters. The score was just 62 after 11 overs, forcing Baard to go for a big heave, but it went only as far as the fielder in the deep mid-wicket position. The skipper joined Frylinck in the middle, and the duo put on a 32-run stand.
However, the score was just 95 in the 18th over, and only 14 more balls were left in the innings. Frylinck got out after smashing a six; he struggled to 43 runs while playing 48 deliveries.
Wiese scored 11 off 5 to take Namibia to 121 for 6 in 20 overs. The score looked below par, but the surface had enough to keep the Namibian bowlers and fans interested.
Vikramjit was off to a flyer in the Powerplay
In pursuit of a modest chase, Vikramjit Singh took the attack to the Namibian bowlers. Courtesy of his 23*(19), the Netherlands were 41 for 0 after 4.2 overs. By that time, he had smashed three cracking boundaries and two massive sixes.
He eventually departed in the 9th over for a well-made 39(31) as the Dutch lost their first wicket at the score of 59.
Namibia clawed their way back with a flurry of wickets
ODowd and de Leede took the baton and batted sensibly to get closer to the victory. They took the score to 92 in 13.4 overs. With just 21 needed off 38 balls and 9 wickets in hand, Netherland looked all set for a comfortable win. But, things took an unexpected turn. The Namibian skipper initiated a drama with a brilliant throw for runout, and ODowd was sent packing.
During the 16th and the 17th over, 3 wickets fell in the space of 8 balls to reduce Netherland to 102 for 5 from 101 for 4. With 20 needed off 20 now and having lost 4 wickets for 11 run, the pressure was back on the chasing side.
de Leede gets Netherland over the line
However, Bas de Leede and Tim Pringle drove them to safety. The former finished on 30*(30) and was awarded the Player of the Match award.
The two consecutive wins have put the Netherlands in a commanding position in their qualifier group. In contrast, Namibia will need to fight hard to get to the super–12 stages.
