T20 World Cup: Namibia with historic victory is into the next round, as they beat Ireland by 8 wickets

The 11th Match of the 2021 T20 World Cup was between Namibia and Ireland on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. This encounter was from Group A of Round 1.

This 2021 T20 World Cup has two rounds. Round 1 has eight teams divided into Group A and Group B. From here four teams will qualify for the next round – the Super 12. Already from Group B – two teams have booked their spot in the Super 12’s – Scotland & Bangladesh.

With this, for now, Group A looks like this –Sri Lanka at the top and Namibia is 2nd with 4 points each, Ireland is 3rd with 2 points, and the Netherlands being winless are at the bottom.

The Line-up for Namibia vs Ireland

Who will join Sri Lanka in the Super 12s? 🍿https://t.co/BAcmfFhwuy | #IREvNAM | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/3uIaBVCgws

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 22, 2021

Ireland won the toss & chose to bat.

Namibia’s historic victory has qualified them for the Super 12’s

1st Innings – Ireland puts 125/8 on the board

A good start for the Irish Team as they played well in the powerplay overs. Ireland was 43/0 in 5 overs, as the openers provided the start they needed.

However, Ireland lost both openers two overs after the powerplay ended. As they found themselves at 67/2 in 8.4 overs. Paul Stirling made a quick knock of 38 runs off 24 balls and Kevin O’Brien played an inning of 25 runs off 24 balls.

After this partnership, boundaries were hard to find. Thus, pressure started to build on Irish batsmen. As a result, Ireland lost their 3rd wicket as Gareth Delany is bowled out by David Wiese. Ireland was 94/3 in 14.2 overs.

Meanwhile, as Ireland goes pasts a total score of 100 – Jan Frylinck strikes back for Namibia as he picked two wickets in an over. As Andrew Balbirnie & Curtis Campher walk back to the pavilion. Apart from both the openers, Captain Andrew Balbirnie scored in double digits as those after him did not.

Ireland finishes their innings with 125 runs.

2nd Innings – Namibia needs 126 Runs to win

However, a slow start for Namibia as they look to chase. Namibia’s Craig Williams did find some boundaries before he got out – courtesy of Kevin O’Brien’s excellent catch as he stretch back. With that, Curtis Campher strikes in his 1st bowl of the innings with powerplay about to end. During that stage, Namibia was at 25/1 (5.1 overs).

Again, it’s the combination of Kevin O’Brien and Curtis Campher that takes the 2nd wicket, a similar effort by Kevin O’Brien like one before to get Zane Green walking back. Namibia was 73/2 in 13.2 overs.

But it’s Namibia’s Captain Gerhard Erasmus and David Wiese, who don’t let wickets fade them. As they guided their team to a victory, with a quick inning of – Gerhard Erasmus’s – 53* (off 49 balls) and David Wiese’s – 28* (off 14 balls) both remained unbeaten.

David Wiese hits the winning runs – the Namibia dugout celebrates their victory.

As a result, Namibia won the match by 8 wickets. Thus, Namibia has qualified for the next round – the Super 12’s.

Hence, the Player of the Match was awarded to David Wiese for his excellent all-around performance, scoring 28* (off 14) and bowling spell of 2/22.

History ✅

Namibia are through to the Super 12 ✨#T20WorldCup | #NAMvIRE | https://t.co/xv8AGpwHXi pic.twitter.com/p46oBP3Acj

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 22, 2021