“Namibia’s Dominance: Defends 203-Run Total Against Netherlands in CWC League 2 ODI”
Namibia successfully defended their total in the second edition of CWC League 2, becoming the first team to surpass the 200-run mark after being put in to bat. A crucial 78-run partnership for the 7th wicket between Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Jan Frylinck played a pivotal role in setting a total of 203 runs. The Namibian spinners then dominated the chase, with the Dutch falling short by 24 runs despite Noah Croes’s valiant 46.
Namibia
In an abbreviated fifth League 2 ODI in Kathmandu, Namibia opted to bat after an hour’s delay due to heavy overnight rain, resulting in a reduced match of five overs per side. Vivian Kingma made early breakthroughs for the Dutch, removing Nico Davin and Michael van Lingen within the powerplay. Despite Roelof van der Merwe dismissing skipper Gerhard Erasmus cheaply, Namibia continued to build their innings. A double strike in the 18th over briefly threatened Namibia’s progress, but Loftie-Eaton and Frylinck capitalized on loose bowling to steer the innings. Another double strike in the 33rd over left Namibia at 159-7, but the tailenders, including Zane Green and Ruben Trumpelmann, contributed crucial runs, and the Eagles were eventually bowled out for 203, with Kingma finishing with 3-19.
The Dutch chase got off to a poor start as Michale Levitt was controversially adjudged LBW for a four-ball duck. Max O’Dowd, however, built positive partnerships to keep the Dutch in the game despite the slow bowlers finding turn. Berhard Scholtz and Jan Frylinck took key wickets for Namibia, with Frylinck impressing with three wickets. Trumpelmann’s return at the end of the innings allowed the Dutch some runs, but the asking rate rose, and crucial overs from Scholtz proved decisive. Scholtz dismissed Shariz Ahmad and van der Merwe in successive overs, virtually sealing the victory for Namibia. Despite Croes’s resilient effort, the Dutch ran out of partners, ending the chase with 7 balls to spare, and Namibia secured their third win of the series.
The Dutch have an opportunity for redemption as they face hosts Nepal in the final ODI of the trilateral series, with all three teams staying on for a T20I series starting two days later.
