Wiese leads Namibia to emphatic six-wicket win over Netherlands

Abu Dhabi: Namibia have stunned the Netherlands by six wickets as they chased a 165-run target in 19 overs here in the seventh match of the T20 World Cup at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The Netherlands are now knocked out of the competition while Namibia keep their hopes alive for the next stage.

David Wiese, who represented South Africa in the last T20 World Cup in India, led the chase for Namibia after they lost three wickets for 52 runs. Wiese partnered with skipper Gerhard Erasmus and added 93 runs for fourth wicket.

At the back-end, JJ Smit steered Namibia to the run chase with eight-ball 14. Wiese remained unbeaten 66 off 40 balls while Erasmus made 22-ball 32.

Earlier, Max O’Dowd starred with a knock of 70, leading the Netherlands to 164/4 in 20 overs after Namibia opted to bowl first.

Put in to bat first, Netherlands’ openers put up a 42-run stand. Stephan Mybhurg (17) was the first man to depart.

O’Dowd continued to anchor the innings with other batters. Colin Ackerman contributed 35 off 32 balls while Scott Edward made 21 off just 11 balss.

O’Dowd was run-out in the final over. He smacked six fours and one maximum in 56-ball innings. For Namibia, Jan Frylinch claimed figures of 2/36 while David Wiese bagged a wicket.