The Namibian Fish Eagles won their Cricket World Cup League 2 Tri-Nations series with a six-wicket win against the USA Bald Eagles.
After losing a convincing 71-run match to the USA on 20 November, Namibia responded well. They restricted the USA’s score to 211/7 before reaching the 212/4 mark with five runs remaining.
The Eagles won their third of four matches, including two against PNG. They remained fourth on the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 log but are now close to the leaders.
Oman is still the log leader with 44 points. Scotland is next on 40 points and the USA on 35. Namibia has now moved up to 32 points. With 10 matches remaining on Oman, the USA and Namibia, Namibia are well placed to finish amongst those three to qualify for the 2023 World Cup qualifier.
JJ Smit, Bernard Scholtz and Bernard Scholtz took three wickets against the USA on Saturday. The USA were unable to reach a manageable total.
All of Namibia’s top order batsmen responded, scoring 59 runs. Divan la Cock was the top scorer with 59 runs. They easily reached the target with five balls to spare.
After being sent in to bat by Steven Taylor and SushantModani, the USA got off to a steady start. However, three wickets in 16 balls gave Namibia the momentum.
JJ Smit retorted Steven Taylor who was caught behind for 9 and Monank Pale for 4 after Nicol Loftie -Eaton caught a great catch. Bernard Scholtz tossed Sushant Modani and Aaron Jones, and the visitors were struggling at 63/4
The USA’s middle orders, however, revived the game with Gajanand Singh scoring 36 runs, Ian Holland 40, and Nosthush Kennejige 38 not out of 36 balls (2×4, 2×6) as they recovered from their previous defeat to reach 211/7.
Smit took 3/35 of 10 overs in Namibia, and Scholtz 3/26 of 10.
All of Namibia’s top-order batsmen responded by getting among the runs as they steadily brought in the target.
Lohan Louwrens and La Cock put on 56 runs for the first wicket. The USA were back in contention when Ian Holland dropped La Cock (59 from 84 balls, 7×4, 1,6 and 1×6) and Michael van Lingen (33.3 off 39, 4×4).
However, Namibia was set for victory by Gerhard Erasmus, Nicol Loftie Eaton and an 83-run alliance.
Erasmus was dismissed with 41 of 40 balls (2×4,3×6). Loftie Eaton was not out with 43 of 55 balls (6×4). Namibia won the match with 32 balls.
Holland, who scored 2/36 on seven bowls, was the USA’s most successful player.
Meanwhile, Nepal and Scotland arrive in Windhoek tomorrow to play in the second Cricket World Cup League 2 Tri-Nations series. The series starts on Thursday, when Namibia plays Nepal.
Source: namibian
