ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Afghanistan continue their good run as they beat Namibia by 62 Runs
Afghanistan dominated throughout this match as they defeated Namibia by 62 Runs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Thus, giving a perfect farewell to their former captain Asghar Afghan in his last international match.
The 27th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 was an Afghanistan vs Namibia encounter played on Sunday, 31 October 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This encounter is from Group 2 of the Super 12 round of the ongoing T20 World Cup. In the Super 12 Round – this is the 3rd Match for Afghanistan whereas for Namibia this is the 2nd Match.
However, this will be the final match for Afghanistan’s Asghar Afghan as he has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket.
Line-up for Afghanistan vs Namibia – ICC T20 World Cup 2021
One change for #AFG with Mujeeb Ur Rahman replaced by Hamid Hassan, while #NAM are unchanged in Abu Dhabi
Which way will this go? 🙌 #AFGvNAM
Follow ball-by-ball 👉 https://t.co/QPTyCxQHJw #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1GmHTMWLk6
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 31, 2021
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat.
Afghanistan dominated against Namibia as they win by 62 Runs
1st Innings – Afghanistan puts 160 Runs on the board
Afghanistan had a great start; they were 50/0 after the powerplay. However, just after the powerplay, they lost a wicket as Hazratullah Zazai departed scoring 33 Runs (off 27 balls). After that, Afghanistan was 53/1 (6.4 overs).
A few overs later, another wicket falls as Rahmanullah Gurbaz is dismissed by an LBW decision bowled by Nicol Loftie-Eaton. Afghanistan was at 68/2 in 9.5 overs.
However, Ruben Trumpelmann strikes for Namibia as he dismissed the set batsman Mohammad Shahzad – 45 Runs (off 33 balls). With this Afghanistan was 89/3 (12.4 overs). But, one more wicket falls as Najibullah Zadran is dismissed – LBW decision. Afghanistan was 113/4 in 15.4 overs.
Then, Asghar Afghan’s final knock comes to an end, dismissed on 31 (off 23 balls) while walking back he received a guard of honour from his teammates. Afghanistan was at 148/5 (18.6 overs). In the end, Captain Mohammad Nabi’s 32* (off 17 balls) made sure that Afghanistan finished their innings at 160/5 (20 overs).
2nd Innings – Namibia’s Target is 161 Runs
Namibia was in trouble, as after the powerplay they were 29/3. As Naveen-ul-Haq picked the first 2 Wickets.
Then, Rashid Khan strikes with his first ball as Zane Green was bowled out. Namibia was 36/4 (7.1 overs). It doesn’t get better for Namibia, as Hamid Hassan then picked 2 Wickets in an over. He dismissed their Captain Gerhard Erasmus & JJ Smit. With that, Namibia was at 56/6 in 10.6 overs.
However, then three wickets fall in quick succession of Jan Frylinck, Pikky Ya France and David Wiese – 26 (off 30 balls). After which, Namibia was 80/9 (16.5 overs). Thus, Namibia finished their innings at 98/9 in 20 overs.
As a result, Afghanistan won the match by 62 Runs. Hence, the Player of the Match was given to Naveen-ul-Haq for his bowling spell of 3/26. Naveen-ul-Haq however gives his Player of the Match Award to Asghar Afghan.
Afghanistan get back to winning ways in style 🙌#T20WorldCup | #AFGvNAM | https://t.co/NCkj6HI7lt pic.twitter.com/iuTYwh9I4k
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 31, 2021