ICC T20: Namibia create history, beat Ireland

Erasmus and Wiese shone as Namibia beat Ireland by 8 wickets with 9 balls to spare to register a spot in the Super 12s.

This historic eight-wicket victory against Ireland also guaranteed them a spot in next year’s T20 World Cup

Wiese shines again

The South African born David Wiese is having a dream tournament so far and he is proving himself on the biggest stage.

He was once again awarded the Man of match award for his brilliant all round performance.

He picked up 2 wickets for 22 in his 4 overs and then joined Gerhard Erasmus when the score  2-73 and scored a quick fire 28 runs in just  (1 four, 2 sixes). 

Ireland failed to score big after a fiery start 

When you are batting first in a knockout match the first thing you required is a good and quick start from your openers and that’s what Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien did for their team.

They laid the foundation by scoring 55 runs in the powerplay.

Ireland were at 62 in 7.2 overs, but after the 1st wicket fell, the rest of Ireland batters failed to build on that.

Ireland scored just 70 in the next 14 overs.

Only 3 batters (Stirling 38, O’Brien 25 and Balbirnie 21 runs) were been able to score double figure runs.  

Frylinck was pick up of the bowlers by taking 3 wickets for just 21 runs in his 4 overs

Sharjah’s wicket has changed 

Sharjah which was known for its batting friendly wicket is now looking a completely different wicket now as we have seen in the IPL.

It has slowed down which is good for bowlers.

Ireland scored just 125 on this pitch which was also not looking too easy as Namibia scored just 27 runs in the power play.

At one point they required 49 in 36 balls until David Wiese show started. 

Namibia chased their dream 

Namibia started slowly and after the early dismissal of Williams, skipper Gerhard Erasmus and Zane Green put up a brilliant 48 runs stand to give their team a healthy start. 

Captain Erasmus scored an unbeaten 53 runs off 49 ballsalong with David Wiese 28 runs to get their team over the line.

For Ireland Curtis Campher picked up the only 2 wickets that fell in the second innings 

Skipper Gerhard Erasmus showed some great character and he held one end of the wicket until Wiese scored the winning runs for his team.

His innings of 53 runs contain 3 fours and a brilliant six that comes when his team needed 19 runs off 17 balls.

He held his nerves and played a vital role in his side historic victory that will be remembered for a long time

The Powerplay battle

The Irish team definitely win the Powerplay battle due to the destructive batting from their 2 most dependable batters right now, Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien.

But both of them also took a little bit of time to settle, as Kevin at one stage was on 9 off 12 balls.

Stirling was more aggressive, he smashed a six in the 3rd over before hitting 3 consecutive 4s in the very next over.

However, their partnership ended when Stirling holed out to long-on for a 24-ball 38 off Scholtz delivery.

In the very next over, Kevin O’Brien (25 off 24) was picked up at deep square leg off Frylinck to leave his team 67 for 2.

On the other hand, Namibia were slow in their Powerplay and the openers Craig Williams and Zane Green failed to take advantage of the field restrictions.

They scored only 25 runs in the first 5 overs until Campher dismissed Williams on the 1st ball of the 6th over that ended up the Powerplay on just 27 for 1.

But due to the brilliant knocks from skipper Erasmus and Man of the match David Wiese, they crossed the line with 9 balls to spare and 8 wickets in hand. 

Namibia 126 for 2  in 18.3 overs (Erasmus 53*, Wiese 28*, Campher 2-14) beat Ireland 125 for 8 overs 18.3 (Stirling 38, Kevin O’Brien 25, Frylinck 3-21, Wiese 2-22)