Kensington Oval witnessed a thrilling start to Namibia’s T20 World Cup campaign, thanks to David Wiese’s remarkable all-round performance in a low-scoring yet enthralling match against Oman on Sunday. Wiese’s heroics with both bat and ball in the Super Over secured a dramatic victory for Namibia, marking a historic moment as the first Super Over in a men’s T20 World Cup since 2012.
Defending a modest total of 110, Namibia found themselves in a nail-biting finish as the match concluded in a tie, necessitating a Super Over. Bilal Khan had given Oman a perfect start, dismissing opener Michael van Lingen for a duck with the second ball of Namibia’s innings. Despite the early setback, Nikolaas Davin and Jan Frylinck steadied the innings, navigating the inconsistent bounce and finishing the powerplay at 32/1.
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Oman’s captain Aqib Ilyas strategically deployed spinners and medium pacers to stifle Namibia’s scoring rate. Davin tried to break free, hitting Aqib for a six, but was immediately caught by Mohammad Nadeem on the next delivery. Spin continued to dominate, with Aqib and Zeeshan Maqsood keeping Namibia’s run rate in check.
Namibia’s captain Gerhard Erasmus attempted to push the scoring rate but was eventually dismissed for 13 by Ayaan Khan. As Frylinck began to accelerate, Mehran Khan delivered a critical 18th over, yielding just four byes and claiming JJ Smit’s wicket. David Wiese’s crucial six in the 19th over brought Namibia closer, needing just five runs off the final over. Mehran Khan’s exceptional bowling saw him take two more wickets, reducing Namibia to a precarious position. With two runs needed off the last ball, Wiese managed a bye to tie the game, leading to a Super Over.
In the Super Over, Wiese’s power-hitting prowess was on full display as he smashed a six and a four off Bilal Khan. Captain Gerhard Erasmus added two boundaries, propelling Namibia to a formidable total of 21 runs—the highest ever in a men’s T20 World Cup Super Over. Wiese then excelled with the ball, conceding only 10 runs and taking a wicket, securing an 11-run victory for Namibia.
Earlier in the match, Ruben Trumpelmann set the tone for Namibia with a devastating pace attack, claiming three wickets within the powerplay. Trumpelmann’s first two deliveries trapped Oman’s opener Kashyap Prajapati and captain Aqib Ilyas for ducks. He continued his assault, dismissing Naseem Khushi and finishing with impressive figures of 4-21.
Erasmus and Wiese also contributed significantly with the ball. Erasmus took two wickets, while Wiese claimed three scalps, conceding 28 runs in 3.4 overs. Oman’s Zeeshan Maqsood attempted to anchor the innings but was leg before wicket to Bernard Scholtz, leaving Oman struggling.
Despite Khalid Kail’s efforts to boost the scoring rate with a valiant 34 off 39 balls, Oman’s innings faltered. Scholtz and Erasmus maintained the pressure, preventing Oman from accelerating. Wiese and Trumpelmann cleaned up the tail, bowling Oman out for 109.
“We were maybe 15-20 short”: Oman Captain Aqib Ilyas after defeat to Namibia in T20 World Cup Match
“Would have enjoyed the game if we would have won, but this is part of cricket. Credit goes to Namibia. (On first innings) Credit goes to Trumpelmann for the way he executed, and then our batters adjusted well. However, when we were set we should have gone for more runs. We knew the wicket was on the turning side, and we could have put more pressure with some more runs on the board,” Ilyas said in a post-match presentation.
Talking about the Super Over, Ilyas said, “I think Bilal is one of the best bowlers at the associate level, but there are days when you don’t execute. He was very clear and we were very.”
Brief score:
- Oman 109 (Khalid Kail 34, Zeeshan Maqsood 22); Ruben Trumpelmann 4-21)
- Namibia 109/6 (Jan Frylinck 45, Nikolaas Davin 24; Mehran Khan 3-7).
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