T20 World Cup 2024: Scotland beats Namibia by 5 wickets

In the 17th over, Michael Leask hit two sixes off the skilled David Wiese to turn the tide of the match in Scotland’s direction with 19 runs from only six balls, needing 40 from the next four overs in chase of 156. Leask struck another six in the next over before being caught for 35 from 17 balls, but the game was already over with nine balls remaining. After hitting another six, captain Richie Berrington finished 47 not out, helping Scotland win with nine balls remaining.

After winning the washout match against England on Tuesday, Scotland held Namibia to 155-9 by taking significant wickets with the new ball and once more in the last moments of play. Brad Wheal, a seamer, took 3-33, which included JP Kotze, who was hit by the third ball of the game, and the hazardous Wiese, who scored 14. With 52 from 31 balls, Captain Gerhard Erasmus was the top scorer for Namibia.

Even though he lost his partner early in the innings, Michael Jones once again provided Scotland a respectable start to their innings. However, after losing two wickets in rapid succession, Scotland found themselves battling at 73/4. Berrington displayed composure on the pitch, playing a smart game from one end as all-rounder Michael Leask came out and started to go bang bang. Namibia appeared to be in complete control at that point, with spinners working from both ends.

Every time the necessary rate increased, someone had to pull a blinder, and that someone was none other than Leask. The breakthrough in the run-scoring came from Leask, who struck a blistering 35 off 17 balls that included four massive sixes. Scotland’s captain, with 47 off 32 balls, found boundaries on a regular basis but played second fiddle to Leask.

After bowling two complete tosses in the 17th over, veteran all-rounder David Wiese made it simple when 19 came off it, and the goal was finally chased down with nine balls remaining. Namibia was in the match until the sixteenth over, but they lost it because of some careless bowling in the closing stages.

Scotland would be in the running to qualify from the group that also includes Australia and England if they win their next match, which is scheduled for Sunday in Antigua against Oman. They lead the early group stage standings, but when they play on Saturday, Australia or England might overtake them.

Gerhard Erasmus: “It’s a big rivalry and 150 on the board at a World Cup, we let that one slip. We weren’t up to scratch with the ball or in the field today. Sweeter to score runs in a win, hopefully we’ll regroup and come back stronger. We’ll give it our best shot every game, four more points to come.”

Matt Cross: “Berrington has a bit of cramp, but he’ll be alright. An important win, we’ve given ourselves a chance to go through with two more big games to come. Currie’s archer celebration, I can’t say I’m a fan of it! Good to be out there and get the job done. Leasky can talk and we’ll hear about his sixes later. Incredible striking. We have to turn up in a couple of days time, have to give ourselves a chance by winning against Oman then it’s all guns blazing for Australia.”

Michael Leask, Player of the Match: “That means a lot, we’ve repaid the faith of the people that have come to watch. Last time they had us three-down in the first over, so this feels special. Two more big games to go. My role is simple, hit the ball hard, find gaps, if it’s in the slot, hit it out of the ground. It came off. Put them under pressure, run hard.”

Namibia 155-9 (20 overs): Erasmus 52 (31); Wheal 3-33

Scotland 157-5 (18.3 overs): Berrington 47* (35), Leask 35 (17)

Scotland win by five wickets