Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA posted 156 for six after 20 overs against Zimbabwe in a crucial T20I Cricket Tri-Series encounter at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
Captain Gerhard Erasmus led the way with a composed half-century, scoring 67 runs, while Alexander Volschenk contributed 29 as Namibia recovered from a difficult start after Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field.
Namibia lost opener Louren Steenkamp for 14 off 12 deliveries in the fourth over, with Brad Evans taking the wicket after Steenkamp skied a catch into the wind.
Jan Frylinck followed shortly afterwards for eight off 14 balls, caught by Wellington Masakadza off Blessing Muzarabani, before wicketkeeper Zane Green was dismissed for one off four balls, caught behind by Tadiwanashe Marumani off Kundai Matigimu.
Erasmus and Volschenk then steadied the innings, taking Namibia past the 50-run mark in the 10th over before accelerating through the middle overs.
Erasmus reached his half-century from 32 balls, while Volschenk struck a six and several boundaries as the pair helped Namibia reach 100 for three in the 15th over.
Volschenk was eventually dismissed for 29 off 31 balls, caught by Ryan Burl off Evans, leaving Namibia on 109 for four.
Erasmus continued his assault, hitting boundaries and clearing the ropes before falling late in the innings.
Ruben Trumpelmann was dismissed for two off three balls by Sikandar Raza, while JJ Smit made three before being caught by Raza off Matigimu.
Erasmus finished unbeaten on 67, including several boundaries and sixes, as Namibia reached 156 for six from their 20 overs.
Evans was Zimbabwe’s leading bowler, taking three wickets, while Muzarabani and Matigimu claimed two wickets each.
Zimbabwe now need 157 runs from 20 overs to win the match.
The encounter is crucial for both sides, with South Africa currently leading the Tri-Series standings on four points. A victory would put Namibia in a strong position to secure a place in the final, while Zimbabwe need a win to keep their campaign alive.
Photo: Cricket Namibia
