Twitter Reactions: Namibia continue to impress in T20 World Cup with a historic win over Scotland

Namibia’s impressive run continues in the T20 World Cup 2021. They have begun their Super 12 campaign with a brilliant win over Scotland. The victory was set up by the bowlers, especially Rubel Trumpelmann who nipped out three wickets in his first over itself. Though things got close in the chase later, Namibia had just enough gas left in the tank to continue their impressive run in the mega event.

Earlier, Rubel Trumpelmann stunned Scotland with his exceptional left-arm swing bowling. He picked up three wickets off the first four balls of the match dismissing George Munsey, Calum MacLeod and Richie Berrington for a duck. The struggle continued for Scotland even after that with Craig Wallace, who replaced injured Kyle Coetzer, also going back to the hut with only 18 runs on the board.

Matthew Cross, the other opener, and Michael Leask rebuilt the innings but it was a struggle for the former. He could muster only 19 runs off 33 balls with a four to his name. However, Leask made sure that runs kept coming despite his partner falling in the 12th over with score reading only 57.

Leask managed to play a few shots and was the only batter to score runs at a strike-rate of over 100. He smashed 44 off just 27 balls with four fours and a couple of massive sixes. Chris Greaves also played his role with the bat mustering 25 off 32 to push Scotland to a competitive 109/8 in their 20 overs. Trumpelmann was the hero with three wickets while Jan Frylinck also impressed with 2/10 in his four overs.

JJ Smit leads the chase to create history for Namibia

The target was only 110 runs for Namibia but they were aware of funny things happening in T20 cricket and approached it with utmost caution. Craig Williams and Michael van Lingen did well to not give their wicket early in the chase even as Scotland pacers came hard at them. The duo added 28 runs at a run-rate less than six but there was no pressure with target being low.

Safyaan Sharif got the much-needed breakthrough with the wicket of Lingen, however, another little partnership of 22 runs followed up. Zane Green’s wicket in the 10th over though brought Scotland back in the game with Namibia falling off the cliff a bit. They slipped to 67/4 from 50/1 thanks to some tight bowling in the middle overs.

Mark Watt was extremely impressive record being economical yet again. He went for just 22 runs in his four overs and picking Williams. But David Wiese and JJ Smit joined hands at 67/4 to add 35 runs and also churned out boundaries finding gaps in the field. The latter was excellent keeping his calm in crunch situations and though Namibia lost wickets in the last few moments, it was due to Smit that they got over the line in the final over.

Smit remained unbeaten on 32 off 23 balls with two sixes and as many fours. Namibia have also created history with this win as they registered a win in their first ever main round game in the T20 World Cup game.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: