New Zealand’s campaign began with a loss versus Pakistan. However, they have won back-to-back games and are now 2nd in Group 2’s points standings. The Kiwis thrashed Namibia by 52 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, November 5. Namibia is out of competition for a place in the semi-finals and will be fighting for honor versus Virat Kohli’s India.
After pushing their rivals to bat first, Namibia batted brilliantly throughout the first 16 overs. The Black Caps only managed 96 runs throughout that time and lost 4 wickets. Opening batsman Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell each scored 18 points but failed to capitalize. Kane Williamson managed to ease and scored 28 with 2 fours and a six before Gerhard Erasmus knock.
Devon Conway was run out at the non-end striker’s and was unable to get underway. The Kiwis scored 67 runs at a pace of 16.75 in the final four overs. Glenn Phillips and James Neesham ensured that New Zealand finished with 163 points. Despite Neesham’s undefeated 35, Phillips finished with 39. The pair combined for 76 runs, hitting 2 fours and 5 sixes.
Namibia got off to a good start in their run chase, scoring 36 runs in the powerplay without dropping a wicket. Stephan Baard and Michael van Lingen scored 47 runs off 44 balls for the first wicket, but the necessary run rate increased to 9.23. Both hitters were removed after reaching their twenties. Namibia experienced a mini-collapse after losing 3 wickets for 8 runs in the course of 12 balls.
Erasmus was unable to reach double figures after being dismissed by Ish Sodhi. Tim Southee grabbed David Wiese in front after he smashed a 4 and a 6. Namibia went absolutely off the tracks after that. Southee let go of Zane Green, who scored 23, while Trent Boult let go of Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton. Erasmus and co finished their innings on 111 for the cost of 7 wickets.
