Namibia ride a wave of belief into Asia

Namibian cricket is having a moment. They have built a new ground where they beat South Africa in a T20I in October. They successfully co-hosted this year’s Men’s Under-19 World Cup with Zimbabwe and will co-host next year’s Senior Men’s World Cup with South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The squad

Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo.

Nine members of the squad that went to the 2024 edition, where they finished 15th, are included again. They have never been captained at a T20 World Cup by anyone except Gerhard Erasmus.

The road to the World Cup

Namibia secured their spot by reaching the final of the Africa region final in Harare in October last year. They beat Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi and Tanzania but lost the decider to Zimbabwe. That disappointment was overshadowed by a last-ball win over South Africa.

Last five T20Is: W-W-W-L-W

Since the start of last year, Namibia have won four T20Is batting first and five fielding first. They have lost only three in that period, twice after failing to reach 170 batting first. They have posted 200+ three times and restricted opponents under 150 five times.

Jan Frylinck has scored Namibia’s only T20I century since the start of last year, with just seven half-centuries in total. Fast bowler JJ Smit is their leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets. Yet they are at their fourth consecutive T20 World Cup.

Who can bend a match in 10 balls

Max Heingo has played only one T20I and is ranked 1,068th among bowlers. On his debut, he dismissed Lhuan-dre Pretorius with a quick delivery that caught the glove. Expect his profile to rise.

Namibia have never played an international in India or Sri Lanka but will do so during this tournament. After starting in Delhi, they move to Chennai and Colombo within six days.

They are an adaptable team but will face higher-caliber opponents here. High-profile consultant Gary Kirsten will aim to help them clear that hurdle.

Namibia could beat the Netherlands—they have done so once in four completed T20Is—and avoiding a heavy defeat against India would be a success. They will need to regroup to face the USA in Chennai.

What a good World Cup looks like

In 2021, Namibia beat the Netherlands and Ireland to reach the Super 12s. In 2024, they needed a Super Over to beat Oman before losses to Scotland, Australia, and England. This draw appears kinder, but more than one win would represent progress. Reaching the Super Eights would be a landmark achievement.