T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest Namibia Predicted Playing XI against New Zealand

Namibia have exuded class by playing some good cricket and making it to the Super 12 of the T20 World Cup. However, the team has been struggling to get back to winning ways in the tournament. The team won its first fixture of the Super 12 against Scotland by four wickets but hasn’t been able to win any game since then.

The team, led by Gerhard Erasmus, was completely outplayed by Afghanistan. While chasing a target of 161, Namibia were wrapped up for just 98 runs. The next assignment for the side was against the in-form Pakistan team. Namibia faced defeat against the Men in Green but showed some great promise with the willow.

They managed to score 144 runs for the loss of five wickets at the end of their innings. Against a strong New Zealand side, the team will look to punch above their weights in order to dominate the proceedings.

Here is Namibia’s predicted playing XI for NZ vs NAM Match: 

Openers- Stephan Baard and Michael van Lingen

The team has been making quite a few changes in their batting order. They have tried several combinations at the top order but that hasn’t reaped greater rewards for the team so far. Stephan Baard and Michael van Lingen opened the innings for the side in the previous game against Pakistan.

However the latter lost his wicket early on after adding only four runs to the team’s account. Stephan Baard, on the other hand, tried to stay firm on the pitch but unfortunately, was run out. He scored 29 runs as Namibia were reduced to 55-2. Against another strong contender New Zealand, the team will pin its hopes on the openers to provide steady starts.

Middle-order- Craig Williams, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Zane Green

Craig Williams earlier opened the innings for the team but was pushed down to number three in the match against the Babar Azam-led side. He looked in fine touch with the willow as he scored valuable 40 runs for the team. His innings included as many as five fours and a six. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and keeper-batter Zane Green will also be determined to make an impact for the side.

All-rounders- Gerhard Erasmus, David Wiese, Jan Frylinck

David Wiese has been exceptional for Namibia in the tournament so far.  He has chipped in with crucial runs and wickets for the team. In the previous game, he scalped the pivotal wicket of Pakistan skipper and also exuded his flair with the willow.

Wiese played an unbeaten knock of 43 runs off 31 deliveries and helped the team put up a strong fight with the bat while chasing the target of 190. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus will also aim to make impactful contributions for the side. Jan Frylinck also looked impressive after he sent back Fakhar Zaman. Keeper Zane Green completed a splendid catch to help Frylinck get the wicket.

Bowlers- Ben Shikongo, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit

Pacer Ruben Trumpelmann picked up two important wickets in the match against Afghanistan. However, against the dominating Pakistan batting lineup, the bowler struggled to provide breakthroughs to the team. Trumpelmann looked in great control in his opening spell as the Men in Green found it difficult to score quick runs in the first three overs. JJ Smit is also one of the key players for Namibia and will look to punch above his weight to contribute for the team.