Harare [Zimbabwe], October 2 (ANI): Namibia has confirmed its ticket for a visit to the sub-continent for subsequent yr’s T20 World Cup after trouncing Tanzania of their African Qualifiers semi-final contest with out a lot fuss in Harare on Thursday.
Namibia outfoxed Tanzania with an imposing 63-run victory and have become the primary workforce from the African Qualifiers to qualify for the marquee occasion. The assured spot will mark Namibia’s fourth look on the T20 World Cup, following its earlier attendance in 2021 (Tremendous 12s), 2022 (group stage), and 2024 (group stage).
Within the semi-final fixture, Namibia was put to bat by Tanzania captain Kassim Nassoro. JJ Smit and a well-known face, Gerhard Erasmus, carried Namibia’s batting assault, lifting them to a frightening 174/6. Smit top-scored with an unbeaten 61 off 43 deliveries, whereas skipper Erasmus performed the second fiddle with a sturdy 55(41).
Fifties from Smit and Erasmus helped Namibia’s trigger, particularly after dropping the highest 4 cheaply. Namibia was reeling at 41/4 in 4.4 overs with Jan Frylinck (0), Malan Kruger (28), Louren Steenkamp (1) and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (10) returning to the pavilion. At 41/4, Smit and Erasmus injected the much-needed impetus to propel Namibia to a frightening complete.
In reply, Tanzania bought off to a sluggish begin with openers Arun Yadav and Abhik Patwa including 29 runs midway by the sixth over. Following his game-changing exploits with the bat, Smit returned to hang-out Tanzania along with his left-arm fast deliveries.
He broke the opening stand on 29 within the sixth over by scalping Arun’s wicket, and a ball later eliminated Dhrumit Mehta to go away Tanzania jolted. He returned to the assault afterward and dismissed Mukesh Suthar to complete with 3/16. Tanzania tried to mount a resistance in patches however finally perished. Smit was adjudged the Participant of the Match for his all-around heroics.
As of now, 16 groups have certified for the showpiece occasion. The Asia EAP qualifier will see three extra groups earn a spot in subsequent yr’s World Cup, whereas another workforce will qualify from the African Qualifiers.
India (host), Sri Lanka (host), Afghanistan (Tremendous Eight), Australia (Tremendous Eight), Bangladesh (Tremendous Eight), England (Tremendous Eight), South Africa (Tremendous Eight), West Indies (Tremendous Eight), United States of America (Tremendous Eight), Pakistan (ICC Rankings), New Zealand (ICC Rankings), Eire (ICC Rankings), Canada (Americas Regional Remaining), Netherlands (Europe Regional Remaining), Italy (Europe Regional Remaining) and Namibia (African Qualifiers). (ANI)
