share
442836F
Home » Live Cricket Score » ICC World Twenty20, 2021 » commentary

New Zealand vs Namibia Live Commentary, Super 12 - Match 36, ICC World Twenty20, 2021, November 5, 2021

NZ 163/4 (20)
New Zealand beat Namibia by 52 runs
NAM 111/7 (20)
Match over
New Zealand Inning Namibia Inning
0.0 : ... MATCH DAY ...
Hello and a very warm welcome to game number 36 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup where New Zealand is set to lock horns with Namibia at Sharjah. Both these teams are well and truly alive in the race for semi-final but it is New Zealand who have the upper hand, courtesy of better NRR.
New Zealand are coming into this fixture having won back-to-back games against India and Scotland and they will be high on confidence. They are a very balanced side and when it comes to ICC events they always pack a punch. Their top order has been in fine form and the Kiwis would hope that the likes of Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell carry on with it and see them through especially in crunch games like these. The Kiwi bowlers also seem to have found their rhythm and they have exploited the con
Namibia, on the other hand did start the Super 12 stage on a winning note but they weren't able to capitalize on the start they got and lost two games back-to-back and in the process their NRR also took a serious beating. Their bowling has been pretty decent right throughout but it is their batting which has let them down more often than not. They have a very slim chance of making it to the semi-final but they would look to give it their all against a strong Kiwi unit. The Namibians will be hopi
TOSS - Both the skippers are out in the middle for an all-important toss. The coin goes up and lands in favour of Namibia. They have opted to BOWL first.
Namibia (Playing XI) - Stephan Baard, Zane Green (WK), Craig Williams, Gerhard Erasmus (C), David Wiese, JJ Smit, Karl Birkenstock (In for Jan Frylinck), Michael Van Lingen, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz (In for Ben Shikongo).
New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway (WK), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Gerhard Erasmus, the skipper of Namibia, says they will bowl first. Adds that the pitch looks good and there are small boundaries so they would like to chase. Tells that it has been a good tournament for them so far and they have enjoyed a lot. Informs that there are a couple of forced changes in their side.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says that the wicket look like a typical Sharjah wicket so they will look to put on a good score on the board. Adds that there are a few niggles in the camp, but the players are holding up well. Informs that they are playing the same side.
We are set for the clash! Both sides walk out for the national anthems. First, the anthem of Namibia will be played, followed by New Zealand's.
0.1 : Bernard Scholtz to Martin Guptill, Guptill and New Zealand are underway. Darted on the pads. He pushes it towards mid on for one.
0.0 : Right then. We are done with the pre-match formalities! Namibia players are seen to be in a huddle later they spread out to their respective fielding positions. Followed by Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell who come out to open for New Zealand. The New Zealand players take the knee, while the Namibian players stand tall to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Bernard Scholtz to start with the ball.
0.2 : Bernard Scholtz to Daryl Mitchell, Loopy ball, around off. Daryl Mitchell pushes it past covers for one.
0.3 : Bernard Scholtz to Martin Guptill, Nicely tossed up, on off. Blocked back to the bowler.
0.4 : Bernard Scholtz to Martin Guptill, SIX! Smashed! Tossed up, on off. Guptill heaves it down the ground. He does not even bother to look where the ball is going. The moment the ball came off the bat, he knew that it was going all the way.
0.5 : Bernard Scholtz to Martin Guptill, Loopy ball, on off. Blocked out.
0.6 : Bernard Scholtz to Martin Guptill, Just a single as this is pushed to mid off.
Who will bowl from the other end? Ruben Trumpelmann it is.
1.1 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Martin Guptill, Length ball, angling across off. Left alone.
1.2 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Martin Guptill, Beaten! Length ball, on off. Guptill looks to drive but the ball goes past the outside edge.
1.3 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Smacked! Full ball, on off. Guptill drives it to the right of mid off and the ball runs to the fence.
1.4 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Martin Guptill, Back of a length, around off. Blocked out.
1.5 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Martin Guptill, On a length, on leg. Guptill blocks it with ease.
1.6 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Martin Guptill, This stays low! Length ball, just outside off. Guptill looks to block but the ball stays low and goes past the bat.
David Wiese comes into the attack now. He replaces Bernard Scholtz.
2.1 : David Wiese to Daryl Mitchell, On a length, outside off. Daryl Mitchell cuts it past point. The man in the deep gets across and keeps it to three.
2.2 : David Wiese to Martin Guptill, Length ball, around off. Punched past covers for one.
2.3 : David Wiese to Daryl Mitchell, Tap and run. Length ball, around off. Mitchell taps it towards short third man for one.
2.4 : David Wiese to Martin Guptill, Slower ball, on a length. Pushed to long off for one.
2.5 : David Wiese to Daryl Mitchell, Length ball, on off. This is smacked down the ground but Wiese gets his right hand out. The ball hits his hand and rolls towards mid on. A single is taken.
2.6 : David Wiese to Martin Guptill, Length ball, on off. Pushed past covers for one.
3.1 : JJ Smit to Martin Guptill, Length ball, on off. Blocked out.
0.0 : JJ Smit is brought into the attack now. He replaces Ruben Trumpelmann.
3.2 : JJ Smit to Martin Guptill, Short of a length, on off. Guptill pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
3.3 : JJ Smit to Martin Guptill, Tough chance put down! Length ball, on off. Guptill smacks it hard. The man at short cover, Craig Williams, dives to his right and gets his hands to it. But the ball does not stick. It rolls away and a single is taken.
3.4 : JJ Smit to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Lovely stroke! Length ball, on off. Daryl Mitchell hits it down the ground for a boundary.
3.5 : JJ Smit to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length, outside off. This is slashed towards point.
3.6 : JJ Smit to Daryl Mitchell, Length ball, on off. Daryl Mitchell works it past mid-wicket and they sprint back for the second.
4.1 : Kane Williamson walks out at number 3.
4.2 : David Wiese to Kane Williamson, Short of a length, around off. Kane Williamson blocks it off the back foot.
4.1 : David Wiese to Martin Guptill, OUT! TAKEN! This is a huge wicket for Namibia as David Wiese sends back the in-form Martin Guptill. Length ball, around off. Guptill backs away and looks to clear mid off but he fails to get the desired elevation and hits it straight to Ruben Trumpelmann at mid off who gulps it down.
4.3 : David Wiese to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson is off the mark! Good-length ball, on off. Williamson pushes it to wide of mid off and takes a run.
4.4 : David Wiese to Daryl Mitchell, Length ball, on middle. Daryl Mitchell eases it to long on and collects a single.
4.5 : David Wiese to Kane Williamson, BEATEN! Back of a length, around the fifth stump channel! Kane Williamson looks to run it down to third man but the ball zips past the outside edge.
4.6 : David Wiese to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Nicely done! That ruins a good over! Short of a length, outside off. Kane Williamson stays back and punches it past covers for a boundary.
5.1 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Daryl Mitchell, Length ball, around off. Daryl Mitchell blocks it off the back foot.
5.2 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Daryl Mitchell, Good-length ball, around off. Daryl Mitchell defends it off the back foot.
0.0 : Change. Ruben Trumpelmann is back on. He went for 4 in his first over.
5.3 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Daryl Mitchell, Length ball, around leg. Daryl Mitchell clips it to deep square leg for a single.
5.4 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Kane Williamson, Full ball, darted on the pads. Kane Williamson stays back and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
5.5 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Good-length ball, around middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell waits for it and then whips it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
5.6 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end the over! Length ball, around off. Daryl Mitchell pushes it to mid off and takes a run. At the end of the Powerplay, New Zealand are 43/1.
6.1 : Bernard Scholtz to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, around off. Daryl Mitchell reverse sweeps it to point.
0.0 : Change. Bernard Scholtz is back. He went for 9 in his first over.
6.2 : Two wickets down rather quickly and the middle order of New Zealand is under a bit of pressure. Here comes Devon Conway out to bat.
6.3 : Bernard Scholtz to Kane Williamson, Flatter ball, around middle. Kane Williamson eases it to long on for a single.
6.4 : Bernard Scholtz to Devon Conway, Flatter ball, darted on the pads. Devon Conway clips it to mid-wicket for a run.
6.5 : Bernard Scholtz to Kane Williamson, Flatter ball, around off. Kane Williamson pushes it to cover and takes a single.
6.6 : Bernard Scholtz to Devon Conway, A quicker ball, around off. Devon Conway blocks it off the back foot.
7.1 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, on middle. Kane Williamson drills it to long on for a run.
6.2 : Bernard Scholtz to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! TAKEN! That is a brilliant running catch from Michael Van Lingen! New Zealand lose both their openers now! Tossed up, around off. Daryl Mitchell skips down and looks to go downtown. He does not time it well, the ball takes the outer half of the bat and lobs up to the right of the deep coevr fielder. Michael Van Lingen runs there, dives and takes a fantastic catch!
Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Devon Conway, Flatter ball,on middle. Devon Conway clips it to the leg side and takes a run.
7.3 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Kane Williamson, Floated, around middle and leg. Kane Williamson works it to long and collects a run.
7.4 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Devon Conway, Tossed up, outside off. Devon Conway pumps it down the ground. JJ Smit runs across from long off and dives full stretch. He saves a couple for his side.
7.5 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Devon Conway, FOUR! Finds the fence this time! Another ball fuller in length, outside off. Devon Conway drills it back past the bowler for a boundary.
7.6 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Devon Conway, A dot to end the over! Flatter ball, outside off. Devon Conway punches hard but finds the cover fielder.
8.1 : Bernard Scholtz to Kane Williamson, Full and on the pads, Williamson defends it to the leg side.
8.2 : Bernard Scholtz to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, around off. Williamson pushes it to cover for a single.
8.3 : Bernard Scholtz to Devon Conway, LEG BYE! Floated, around middle and leg. Conway prods and looks to defend it out. The ball takes the pads and rolls out to the leg side. They collect a leg bye.
8.4 : Bernard Scholtz to Kane Williamson, A dot now! Full, on off. Williamson defends it back to the bowler.
8.5 : Bernard Scholtz to Kane Williamson, Flatter, on the pads. Williamson pushes it to mid on for a single.
8.6 : Bernard Scholtz to Devon Conway, Another tidy over by Bernard Scholtz! Just 4 runs off it. Full and on middle. Conway prods and sweeps it towards short fine leg. Ruben Trumpelmann makes sure he stops the ball and save a certain boundary. The batters cross for a single.
9.1 : Gerhard Erasmus to Devon Conway, Flighted, full and on middle. Conway tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
0.0 : Change. Gerhard Erasmus brings himself on.
9.2 : Gerhard Erasmus to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, around off. Kane Williamson blocks it back to the bowler.
9.3 : Gerhard Erasmus to Kane Williamson, Floated, on off. Williamson tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. This single also get KW to 5500 runs T20 cricket.
9.4 : Gerhard Erasmus to Devon Conway, Full and on off. Conway sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
9.5 : Gerhard Erasmus to Kane Williamson, Flatter, around middle, Williamson pushes it back to the bowler.
9.6 : Gerhard Erasmus to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, on off. Williamson drives it to cover but straight to the fielder. New Zealand are 62/2 at the halfway mark.
DRINKS! New Zealand have lost 2 wickets in quick succession but they would breathe easy until their skipper is out their in the middle! Conway and Williamson would look to steady the ship for a while and then tee off at the fag end.
10.1 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Devon Conway, Looped up, around leg. Conway gets low and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
10.2 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Kane Williamson, Full and on off. Williamson comes down the track and smacks it back to the hit the poles on the other end, Nicol Loftie-Eaton tries to get a hand on in but misses. In the end, the batters pick a single.
10.3 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Devon Conway, Full and on off. Conway sweeps it square on the leg side for a single.
10.4 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Kane Williamson, On the pads, Williamson clips it through mid-wicket for a couple.
10.5 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Kane Williamson, SIX! Williamson thinks it is time to step on the gas. Tossed up, full and on off. Kane Williamson prods and slog-sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.
10.6 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Smacked down the ground! Full and on off. Williamson comes down the track and hits it straight past the bowler. Nicol Loftie-Eaton does not show good reflex this time. A tough chance though for the bowler. The ball races away to the fence at long off.
11.1 : Karl Birkenstock to Devon Conway, Full and outside off. Conway tries to reach out but misses. 
11.2 : Karl Birkenstock to Devon Conway, A single now! Conway needs to up the ante! Full and on middle. Conway works it towards mid on off the inner half. The batters cross for a single.
11.3 : Karl Birkenstock to Kane Williamson, Fuller and on off. Williamson comes forward and taps it back to the bowler.
11.4 : Karl Birkenstock to Kane Williamson, Length, around middle. Williamson steps forward and works it to mid on for a single. KW wanted the second run but Conway denies.
11.5 : Karl Birkenstock to Devon Conway, Conway gets some width on offer, but fails to put it away. Length and outside off. Conway cuts it away to point. They take one.
11.6 : Karl Birkenstock to Kane Williamson, A great first over by Karl Birkenstock! Just 4 runs off it. A length ball, on off. Williamson hoicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
12.1 : Gerhard Erasmus to Kane Williamson, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Kane Williamson has to depart and he is not happy with himself. Gerhard Erasmus strikes and gets an important wicket in the context of the game. I can assure, all the Indian fans are also celebrating this wicket. Floated, full and outside off. Williamson gets low and looks to sweep it to the leg side, but does not get the desired connection. The ball takes the inner half and goes onto hit the stumps. Can Namibia build on this breakthro
0.0 : Glenn Phillips walks out to bat.
12.2 : Gerhard Erasmus to Glenn Phillips, Swing and a miss! Tossed up, full and outside off. Glenn Phillips goes for the booming drive but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge.
12.3 : Gerhard Erasmus to Glenn Phillips, Floated and outside off. Phillips leaves it alone.
12.4 : Gerhard Erasmus to Glenn Phillips, Full and on off. Phillips drives it to cover.
12.5 : Gerhard Erasmus to Glenn Phillips, Swing and a miss! Flatter and short, outside off. Glenn Phillips looks to cut it away but misses.
12.6 : Gerhard Erasmus to Glenn Phillips, On off, pushed to cover for a single. A great over by Gerhard Erasmus, A single and a wicket off it.
13.1 : Karl Birkenstock to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, on off. Glenn Phillips works it past square leg for one.
13.2 : Karl Birkenstock to Devon Conway, Length ball, on off. Punched away for one.
13.3 : Karl Birkenstock to Glenn Phillips, Length ball, around off. Glenn Phillips works it past square leg for one.
0.0 : Karl Birkenstock to continue after a good first over!
13.4 : Karl Birkenstock to Devon Conway, Length ball, outside off. Conway looks to drive but gets no bat on it.
13.5 : Karl Birkenstock to Devon Conway, Length ball, on off. Conway punches it down the ground for one.
13.6 : Karl Birkenstock to Glenn Phillips, OUT! RUN OUT! This is brilliant work by Gerhard Erasmus! On a length, on off. Glenn Phillips works it wide of long on. The batters push back for the second. But Gerhard Erasmus runs in and fires a great throw to the bowler. Karl Birkenstock gathers it and whips the bails off. The TV umpire is called in and the replay shows that Conway is just short!
Is that a run out? The umpire takes it upstairs to confirm. The replays roll in to show Conway was short of the crease, as the bails were coming off. The final decision is OUT.
14.1 : Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Loopy ball, on off. Blocked out.
14.2 : Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Another one tossed up and another block by Neesham.
0.0 : Who will walk out next? James Neesham it is.
14.3 : Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Flatter ball, on off. Neesham works it past square leg for one.
14.4 : Gerhard Erasmus to Glenn Phillips, Flatter ball, on the pads. Glenn Phillips works it nicely past mid-wicket and picks up a single. Namibia would not mind this.
14.5 : Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Beaten! Flatter one, just outside off. James Neesham looks to block but the ball goes just past the outside edge.
14.6 : Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Fired down the leg side. Wide called as Neesham leaves it.
Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Just a single as this is worked to long on.
15.1 : David Wiese to James Neesham, Length ball, outside off. Neesham taps it to point for a single.
0.0 : David Wiese (2-0-14-1) is back on.
15.2 : David Wiese to Glenn Phillips, On a length, on off. Glenn Phillips pushes it to long on for one.
15.3 : David Wiese to James Neesham, Length ball, around off. Neesham works it to short third man.
15.4 : David Wiese to James Neesham, This stays low! On a length, angling across off. Neesham looks to drive but the ball stays low and sneaks under his bat.
15.5 : David Wiese to James Neesham, Full ball, on off. James Neesham whips it to deep square leg for one.
16.1 : Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Tossed up, around middle. James Neesham stands tall and drills it to long on for a single.
16.2 : Gerhard Erasmus to Glenn Phillips, SIX! Punished by Glenn Phillips! A juicy full toss, around middle. Phillips tonks it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie!
16.3 : Gerhard Erasmus to Glenn Phillips, Flatter ball, on middle. Glenn Phillips eases it to long on for one.
16.4 : Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, In the air, but safe! Fuller in length, around off. James Neesham lofts it over covers. The fielder at long off runs to his right and keeps it to two.
16.5 : Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Flatter ball, darted on the pads. James Neesham tucks it to the leg side and collects a couple of runs.
15.6 : David Wiese to Glenn Phillips, Good fielding in the deep! Short ball, on off. Pulled away nicely by Glenn Phillips. The man at deep square runs to his right, dives and stops the ball. Two taken.
Gerhard Erasmus to James Neesham, Good running yet again! Flatter ball, on a length, around leg. James Neesham flicks it to deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.
17.1 : David Wiese to Glenn Phillips, Back of a length, around off, cramping Phillips for room. He tucks it to the leg side for a couple of runs.
17.2 : David Wiese to Glenn Phillips, Wiese goes full and straight this time. Phillips whips it to wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
16.6 : David Wiese to bowl out here.
17.3 : David Wiese to Glenn Phillips, SIX! Top shot! Full ball, outside off. Glenn Phillips reaches out and lofts it over for a maximum. The ball hits the boundary ropes on the full.
17.4 : David Wiese to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, around middle. Glenn Phillips works it to long on for a run.
17.5 : David Wiese to James Neesham, SIX! BOOM! This is a massive hit! Length ball, just outside off. James Neesham gets low and whacks it over long on for a maximum!
17.6 : David Wiese to James Neesham, FOUR! Clever from Neesham! Yorker-length delivery, outside off. James Neesham reaches out and guides it past the backward point fielder to collect a boundary.
18.1 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Good-length ball, around off. Glenn Phillips stays back and whips it towards deep square leg for a boundary.
0.0 : Change. Ruben Trumpelmann is back on.
18.2 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Glenn Phillips, SIX! BANG! Back of a length, around off. Glenn Phillips hangs back and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie! These are very crucial runs for the Kiwis at the fag end!
18.3 : Ruben Trumpelmann to Glenn Phillips, Trumpelmann bangs it into the deck, around off. Glenn Phillips flat-bats it towards mid off for a run.
18.4 : Ruben Trumpelmann to James Neesham, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, on a length, outside off. James Neesham slashes hard at it but fails to get any bat on it.
18.5 : Ruben Trumpelmann to James Neesham, Excellent running! Short ball, around leg. James Neesham pulls it towards deep square leg. He calls for the second run and makes it in the end.
18.6 : Ruben Trumpelmann to James Neesham, Short ball, around middle and leg. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
19.1 : JJ Smit to James Neesham, Play and a miss! Slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. James Neesham looks to pull but misses.
18.6 : Who will bowl the last over? JJ Smit it is.
19.2 : JJ Smit to James Neesham, SIX! BOOM! Back of a length, around leg. James Neesham pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum!
19.3 : JJ Smit to James Neesham, Back of a length, around middle. James Neesham miscues his pull to wide of deep mid-wicket and collects a couple.
19.4 : JJ Smit to James Neesham, Wide! Too full, outside off, just outside the tramline. James Neesham leaves it alone. Wide called!
JJ Smit to James Neesham, Wide! Slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. James Neesham swings hard but he misses. Wided!
JJ Smit to James Neesham, Smit hurls a yorker, around leg. James Neesham misses his flick and gets hit low on his pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side for a leg bye!
19.5 : JJ Smit to Glenn Phillips, A low full toss, around leg. Glenn Phillips flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.
19.6 : JJ Smit to Glenn Phillips, TWO WIDES! Absolute chaos in the middle. JJ Smit hurls a bumper, around middle. Glenn Phillips changes his stance, gets left and handed and looks to whip it to the leg side but he misses. The keeper collects the ball, throws it to the bowler. JJ Smit has a shy at his end but he misses. Wide called for height and the batters take a run by crossing by.
JJ Smit to James Neesham, Wide! Another full ball, way outside off. James Neesham lets it be. Wide called by the umpire.
A good comeback by New Zealand in the death overs, courtesy of Neesham and Phillips. Barring the run flow at the end. Namibia would’ve been the happier side coming into the break, but the Kiwis stole the momentum away.
New Zealand got off to a rocky start. Not exactly what they were looking for. Martin Guptill and Darly Mitchell were sent back very early than expected, they could not take the attack to the bowlers. After 7 overs, the Kiwis were at 46/2. Williamson and Conway, started off slowly, the pair only scored 16 runs in the next three overs. It was time for them to step on the gas, before it gets too late. But nothing was going New Zealand’s way and soon Williamson and Conway also slipped out. After 1
JJ Smit to James Neesham, Full ball, outside off. James Neesham digs it out towards cover. He comes back for the second run. The throw is a bit wayward at the keeper's end and Neesham is safe. New Zealand finish with 163/4.
The game-changing factor for Namibia in this game was their fielding. It started with a brilliant attempt by Craig Williams at short cover, who dived to his right to get his hand to a aerial shot by Guptill, since then Namibia were class-apart in the field. They took brilliant catches and that throw from Erasmus was on the money, to get rid of Conway. The bowlers did really well with the lot, the surprise from the pack was to see Erasmus roll his arms and he fared really well and got a wicket to
Right then. Namibian bowlers have done their job. The onus now will be on their batters to chase the target down and gets back to winning ways in the competition. New Zealand have a good bowling attack and would back them to defend it? Who will snatch a crucial victory here? To find out, do join us for the second essay.
Bernard Scholtz, is in for a chat. He says that they bowled well in the middle overs but New Zealand batted well in the end. Adds that getting a good start here is the key to chase it down. Finishes by saying that they looked to bowl in the right channels to pick up wickets.
0.1 : Tim Southee to Stephan Baard, Good-length ball, around off. Stephan Baard blocks it off the back foot.
0.2 : Tim Southee to Stephan Baard, Stephan Baard and Namibia are underway! Length ball, on middle. Baard pushes it to mid on and takes a run.
0.3 : Tim Southee to Michael Van Lingen, Short ball, way outside off. Michael Van Lingen looks to cut but the ball goes over his blade.
0.4 : Tim Southee to Michael Van Lingen, Length ball, around off. Michael Van Lingen prods and drives it to wide of Kane Williamson at mid off for a single.
0.5 : Tim Southee to Stephan Baard, A loud shout for LBW but the umpire is not interested! Length ball, angling in from leg. Stephan Baard misses his flick and gets hit on the pad. 
0.6 : Tim Southee to Stephan Baard, FOUR! Streaky but Stephan Baard will take that! Good-length ball, shaping away from off. Baard looks to play it across the line, the ball takes the outside edge and flies past the keeper for a boundary.
1.1 : Trent Boult to Michael Van Lingen, Good-length ball, on the pads. Michael Van Lingen tucks it to the leg side for one.
1.2 : Trent Boult is set to steam in.
Trent Boult to Stephan Baard, Wide! Full and way outside off. Stephan Baard reaches out and looks to cut but he misses. Wided!
Trent Boult to Stephan Baard, Back of a length, around off. Stephan Baard blocks it off the back foot.
1.3 : Trent Boult to Stephan Baard, Boult bangs it into the deck, around middle and leg. Stephan Baard ducks underneath.
1.4 : Trent Boult to Stephan Baard, Short of a length, outside off. Stephan Baard swivels and miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket. The batters cross for a run.
1.5 : Trent Boult to Michael Van Lingen, Length ball, around leg. Michael Van Lingen tucks it to the leg side. Adam Milne runs to his right from fine leg, dives and stops the ball. He throws it to the fielder running in from deep mid-wicket. Two taken.
1.6 : Trent Boult to Michael Van Lingen, Back of a length, around off. Michael Van Lingen looks to pull but he misses and gets hit high on his body.
2.1 : Adam Milne to Stephan Baard, Good-length ball, on off. Stephan Baard prods and drives it on the up back past the bowler for a couple of runs.
0.0 : Adam Milne comes on now.
2.2 : Adam Milne to Stephan Baard, Back of a length, around off. Stephan Baard blocks it off the back foot towards backward point and scampers through for a run.
2.3 : Adam Milne to Michael Van Lingen, Short of a length, on off. Michael Van Lingen hangs back and block it out.
2.4 : Adam Milne to Michael Van Lingen, Good-length ball, around off. Michael Van Lingen stays back and guides it to backward point.
2.5 : Adam Milne to Michael Van Lingen, Short ball, outside off. Michael Van Lingen pulls it along the ground to wide of the deep square leg fielder. A single taken!
2.6 : Adam Milne to Stephan Baard, Back of a length, just outside off. Stephan Baard stays back and pushes it back to the bowler. A tidy over from Adam Milne as just 4 runs came off it!
Change. Tim Southee is back on.
3.1 : Tim Southee to Michael Van Lingen, Length ball, outside off. Michael Van Lingen drives it to wide of mid off for one.
3.2 : Tim Southee to Stephan Baard, Swing and a miss! Back of a length, around middle and leg. Stephan Baard slashes hard but fails to get any bat on it.
3.3 : Tim Southee to Stephan Baard, Southee bangs it into the deck, around middle. Stephan Baard pulls it behind square on the leg side for a single.
3.4 : Tim Southee to Michael Van Lingen, Short of a length, around off. Michael Van Lingen looks to pull but it takes the inside edge and goes to the right of Devon Conway behind the sticks.
3.5 : Tim Southee to Michael Van Lingen, Beaten! Length ball, outside off. Michael Van Lingen looks for the expansive drive but he misses as the ball whistles past his outside edge.
3.6 : Tim Southee to Michael Van Lingen, Good-length ball, outside off. Michael Van Lingen punches it to cover. Another good over for New Zealand as only 2 runs came off it!
4.1 : Trent Boult to Stephan Baard, Full ball, outside off. Stephan Baard creams his drive towards mid off. Kane Williamson there dives and stops the ball. A single taken.
4.2 : Trent Boult to Michael Van Lingen, Good-length ball, around off. Michael Van Lingen taps it to cover-point and looks for a run but is sent back by Baard. Had Daryl Mitchell scored a direct hit at the striker's end, Michael Van Lingen was a goner!
4.3 : Trent Boult to Michael Van Lingen, Back of a length, on the bodyline. Michael Van Lingen gloves it to square leg for a single.
4.4 : Trent Boult to Stephan Baard, FOUR! Nicely played. It is a treat to watch Baard batting here. A length ball, on off. Baard heaves it across the line. The ball goes through to the fence at deep mid-wicket.
4.5 : Trent Boult to Stephan Baard, Sharp bouncer, on middle and off. Baard gets low and leaves it alone.
4.6 : Trent Boult to Stephan Baard, A single now! Length and on off. Baard comes forward and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Change. Adam Milne is back. He went for 4 in his first over.
5.1 : Adam Milne to Stephan Baard, On a length, around off. Baard defends it out watchfully.
5.2 : Adam Milne to Stephan Baard, LEG BYE! Fuller, around middle and leg. Baard looks to tuck it away, but misses. The ball takes the pads and rolls to the off side. The batters collect a leg bye.
5.3 : Adam Milne to Michael Van Lingen, FOUR! Lovely, this shot was all about timing! A length ball, outside off, Michael Van Lingen hangs back and lifts it towards long off for a boundary.
5.4 : Adam Milne to Michael Van Lingen, Slower ball, on a length, around off. Michael Van Lingen taps it to cover.
5.5 : Adam Milne to Michael Van Lingen, SIX! Michael Van Lingen is not going to sit back. They are taking the game to the Kiwis here. Fuller and on off. Michael Van Lingen gets under it and muscles it over the long on fence for a maximum. 
5.6 : Adam Milne to Michael Van Lingen, A great over for Namibia. 12 runs coming off it. Back of a length, around middle, Michael Van Lingen pulls it to deep square leg for a single. At the end of Powerplay, Namibia are at 36/0.
Mitchell Santner comes to bowl now.
6.1 : Mitchell Santner to Michael Van Lingen, Flighted, full and down leg. Michael Van Lingen looks to sweep it away but misses. The ball though flicks the pads on it's way. 
6.2 : Mitchell Santner to Michael Van Lingen, Full and on off. Michael Van Lingen punches it to long off for a single.
6.3 : Mitchell Santner to Stephan Baard, Good running! Full and on middle. Baard steps across and sweeps it towards fine leg. Daryl Mitchell puts in a dive in the deep to keep the ball in play. The batters pick three comfortably.
6.4 : Mitchell Santner to Michael Van Lingen, On off, blocked out by Michael Van Lingen.
6.5 : Mitchell Santner to Michael Van Lingen, FOUR! Michael Van Lingen gets lucky this time. Full, around middle and leg. It was quicker. Michael Van Lingen gets behind the line and looks to push it away. The ball goes towards fine leg off the inside edge and finds the boundary.
6.6 : Mitchell Santner to Michael Van Lingen, LEG BYE! Darted, on the pads. Michael Van Lingen misses his flick. The ball goes towards short fine leg off the pads. They collect a leg bye.
7.1 : James Neesham to Michael Van Lingen, Touch short, outside off, Michael Van Lingen hangs back and cuts it through point for a couple.
0.0 : James Neesham is into the attack now.
7.2 : James Neesham to Michael Van Lingen, OUT! TIMBER! James Neesham comes into the attack and finds the breakthrough. He continues his good work in this game. Helped with the blade earlier on and now he shines with the ball. A length ball, around middle. Michael Van Lingen stays inside the crease and looks to heave it across the line but misses. The ball did not bounce much off the deck. The ball goes through to castle the stumps. A brilliant decision by Williamson to get Neesham into the att
7.3 : James Neesham to Gerhard Erasmus, A length ball, on the pads. Gerhard Erasmus flicks it to square leg for a single.
7.2 : Gerhard Erasmus is the new man in.
7.4 : James Neesham to Stephan Baard, Good length, on off. Baard works it to mid-wicket for a single.
7.5 : James Neesham to Gerhard Erasmus, Back of a length, around off. Gerhard Erasmus guides it to short third man for a single.
7.6 : James Neesham to Stephan Baard, Full and on the pads. Baard clips it through square leg for a single.
8.1 : Mitchell Santner to Stephan Baard, OUT! BOWLED! Mitchell Santner strikes this time and Namibia lose their second wicket! Flatter ball, around middle, turning away a bit after landing. Stephan Baard looks to work it across the line but he misses and the ball crashes onto his stumps.
0.0 : Who will walk out next? Zane Green it is.
8.3 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, Flatter and short, around off. Green punches it to point for a single.
8.2 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, On off, Green defends it out.
8.4 : Mitchell Santner to Gerhard Erasmus, Another single now! Full, around middle. Erasmus works it to long on off the inner half. A single is taken.
8.5 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, Tossed up, on off, Green taps it back to the bowler.
8.6 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, A good over by Mitchell Santner. The Kiwis are right back in the game. Full and outside off. Green slashes it through covers for a single.
9.1 : Ish Sodhi to Zane Green, Darted on the pads. Worked past mid-wicket for one.
9.2 : Ish Sodhi to Gerhard Erasmus, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Flatter ball, around off. Gerhard Erasmus looks to push it away. All he gets is the outside edge. Devon Conway takes a good low catch and Namibia slide further in this chase.
9.3 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Flatter and quicker, on off. David Wiese gets his bat down in time to block it out.
9.4 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Darted on the pads. David Wiese misses the flick but gets hit on the pads. The appeal for LBW is turned down. Maybe, sliding down leg.
9.2 : DRINKS! Namibia started really well, but could not capitalize on the good start. Namibia lost three wickets in quick succession and the Kiwis are right back into the game. Namibia would hope that Green and his partner take the game deep. While, New Zealand will look to keep chipping wickets and take the game away from Namibia. Also, David Wiese joins Green in the middle.
9.5 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Flatter ball, on off. Pushed to covers.
9.6 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Shorter ball, on off. David Wiese pulls it away for one.
10.1 : Mitchell Santner to David Wiese, Flatter and shorter, outside off. David Wiese works it past cover for one.
10.2 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, Darted on off. Green pushes it past covers for one.
10.3 : Mitchell Santner to David Wiese, FOUR! Was there any bat on it? Full ball, on off. David Wiese goes through with the drive and for a moment it looked like there was an edge but there was a huge gap between bat and ball. The ball runs to the third man fence and the umpire signals runs as he thought it came off the bat.
10.4 : Mitchell Santner to David Wiese, Flatter ball, on off. Blocked out.
10.5 : Mitchell Santner to David Wiese, Shorter ball, on off. Cut away to point.
10.6 : Mitchell Santner to David Wiese, Just a single as this is punched to deep cover.
11.1 : Woah! That is nasty! David Wiese has hit this one straight back to Ish Sodhi and he has been hit on his forehead!
Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Ouch! That must have hurt! Tossed up, on off. Wiese hits it straight back to the bowler. He absolutely nails that one. Sodhi tries to catch but the ball bursts through his hands and hits his head. He seems to be okay. The physio comes out and the players walk towards him to check.
11.2 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Flatter, down the leg side. Wiese misses the flick. Wide called.
Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Shorter ball, on off. Cut away to deep point for one.
11.3 : Ish Sodhi to Zane Green, Flatter ball, on off. Pushed to the leg side. Sodhi gathers it himself.
11.4 : Ish Sodhi to Zane Green, Loopy ball, outside off. Green hits it towards point.
11.5 : Ish Sodhi to Zane Green, Shorter ball, outside off. Green cuts it past covers for a couple.
11.6 : Ish Sodhi to Zane Green, A single as this is hit to long off.
12.1 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, Flatter ball, around off. Zane Green looks to cut but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.
12.2 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, Flatter ball, on middle. Zane Green eases it to long on for a single.
12.3 : Mitchell Santner to David Wiese, A quicker ball, outside off. David Wiese stays back and cuts it to sweeper cover. A single taken!
12.5 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, Flatter ball, around off. Zane Green punches it to covers.
12.4 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, Fuller in length, around middle. Zane Green digs it out to mid-wicket.
12.6 : Mitchell Santner to Zane Green, Three dots in a row! Flatter and quicker, around middle. Zane Green turns it to mid-wicket. Another tidy over from Mitchell Santner and that brings ann end to his spell!
13.1 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Wide! Too wide, outside off. David Wiese lets it be. Wide called.
Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, SIX! WHACKED! Tossed up, around off. David Wiese skips down and smacks it over long off for a maximum!
13.2 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Flatter ball, darted on the pads. David Wiese misses his nudge and gets hit on the pad.
13.3 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, A bit quicker, around off, the ball stays a bit low and David Wiese pushes it back to the bowler.
13.4 : Ish Sodhi to David Wiese, Flatter ball, on middle. David Wiese tucks it to the leg side for one.
13.5 : Ish Sodhi to Zane Green, SIX! BOOM! Tossed up, around middle. Zane Green slog-sweeps it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie! Namibia need more of these!
13.6 : Ish Sodhi to Zane Green, Flatter ball, outside off. Zane Green falt-bats it to long off for a single. 79 runs needed off 36 balls.
14.1 : Tim Southee to Zane Green, Short of a length, outside off. Zane Green looks to heave it to the leg side but he misses.
14.2 : Tim Southee to Zane Green, Good-length ball, around off. Zane Green looks to drive but it takes the outside edge towards third man. The batters cross for a single.
0.0 : Change. Tim Southee is back on.
14.3 : Tim Southee to David Wiese, OUT! LBW! Huge wicket in the context of this game and the Kiwis are delighted! Length ball, around off, jagging back in sharply. David Wiese looks to play it across the line and he misses. The ball hits him on the pad and Tim Southee puts in an appeal. The umpire raises his finger in no time.
Who will bat now? JJ Smit it is.
14.4 : Tim Southee to JJ Smit, NOT OUT! New Zealand lose a review here! Good-length ball, jagging back in from middle and leg. JJ Smit looks to flick but he misses and gets hit on the pads. Kane Williamson opts for a review but the UltraEdge shows that there was an inside edge before the ball hit the pad. 
14.5 : Tim Southee to JJ Smit, Back of a length, around middle. JJ Smit looks to pull but he misses and gets hit on the box.
14.4 : Review time! New Zealand have reviewed this for LBW. Well, there is an inside edge on it.
14.6 : Tim Southee to JJ Smit, Short of a length, outside off. JJ Smit punches it to cover.
15.1 : Adam Milne to Zane Green, Short of a length, outside off. Zane Green guides it to third man for a single.
0.0 : Change. Adam Milne is back on. He went for 15 in his first two overs.
15.2 : Adam Milne to JJ Smit, Beaten! Good-length ball, coming back in sharply from outside off. JJ Smit stays back and looks to push it through covers but he misses and the ball just goes past the off stump.
15.3 : Adam Milne to JJ Smit, Back of a length, around off. JJ Smit cuts hard but Martin Guptill at backward point puts in a dive and stops the ball.
15.4 : Adam Milne to JJ Smit, Back of a length, outside off. JJ Smit stays back and steers it to point.
15.5 : Adam Milne to JJ Smit, FOUR! Top shot! Length ball, outside off. JJ Smit prods and carves it through covers to collect a boundary.
15.6 : Adam Milne to JJ Smit, Leg bye! Full ball, darted on the pads. JJ Smit misses his flick and gets hit on the pad. The ball rolls away for a leg bye! 72 runs needed off 24 balls!
16.1 : Trent Boult to JJ Smit, A length ball, outside off, angling across the batter. Smit punches it through point for a couple of runs.
0.0 : Trent Boult (2-0-12-0) is back on.
16.2 : Trent Boult to JJ Smit, A single now! Full, around off. Smit pushes it through covers for a single.
16.3 : Trent Boult to Zane Green, A length ball, on top of leg. Green comes across and looks to scoop it over the keeper's head, but misses it completely. 
16.4 : Trent Boult to Zane Green, A sharp bouncer, around off. Green looks to chase it but misses. Both the umpires share a look and decide it's the first bouncer of the over and not a wide.
16.5 : Trent Boult to Zane Green, Great bowling by Boult! He sees Green coming across and fires in a yorker, around leg. Green looks to dig it out but misses. The ball goes to the keeper.
16.6 : Trent Boult to Zane Green, Boult again fires in a yorker, on leg. Green digs it out to mid-wicket for a single.
17.1 : Tim Southee to Zane Green, A length ball, around off. Green drags his pull shot towards square leg for a single.
0.0 : Tim Southee (3-0-9-1) is back on.
17.2 : Tim Southee to JJ Smit, Swing and a miss! Southee with a nice off-pace delivery with this. Length, top on off. Smit swings hard at it, but misses. The ball evades the stumps in the end.
17.3 : Tim Southee to JJ Smit, On a length, around off. Smit pushes it to cover for a single.
17.4 : Tim Southee to Zane Green, FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Namibia. Slower ball, full and around off. Green gets under it and smacks it towards long on. This boundary also brings up 100 for Namibia.
17.5 : Tim Southee to Zane Green, OUT! CAUGHT! Tim Southee has the last laugh here. Zane Green looks to attack yet again, but perishes this time. Southee serves it on a length, around middle and off. Green heaves across the line. The ball lofts towards long on. Boult runs in front of him, puts in a low dive forward to grab the ball cleanly.
17.6 : Tim Southee to JJ Smit, A great over by Southee. He continues his good run in this campaign. Full length, just outside the off pole. Smit looks to push it to the off side but misses.
17.5 : Nicol Loftie-Eaton walks out to bat.
18.1 : Trent Boult to Nicol Loftie-Eaton, WIDE! Good length, outside off. Nicol Loftie-Eaton leaves it alone. Wide called.
Trent Boult to Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Boult fires in a yorker, in the blockhole. Nicol Loftie-Eaton stays back and digs it out.
18.2 : Trent Boult to Nicol Loftie-Eaton, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. Boult bangs in a short ball, around off. Nicol Loftie-Eaton makes room and looks to upper cut it. The ball takes the toe end of the blade and chips towards mid off. Martin Guptill keeps his eyes on the balls, runs backward and takes a sharp catch.
Craig Williams is the new man in.
18.3 : Trent Boult to JJ Smit, Full and on off. Smit hits it towards long off for a single.
18.4 : Trent Boult to Craig Williams, Play and a miss! A wide yorker, outside off. Williams looks to push it out but misses.
18.5 : Trent Boult to Craig Williams, WIDE! Full-length ball, wide outside off. Williams looks to chase it but misses. The umpire calls it as a wide.
Trent Boult to Craig Williams, OUT! CAUGHT! Craig Williams departs now. He goes back on a duck. Full-length ball, on off. Williams throws his bat at it. The ball takes the outside edge and lobs towards backward point. Glenn Phillips pouches it comfortably. Boult has made a strong impact in the death overs.
Ruben Trumpelmann is the new man in.
18.6 : Trent Boult to Ruben Trumpelmann, Full and outside off. Ruben Trumpelmann pushes it towards point and gets a single. A great over by Boult, two wickets coming off it.
Adam Milne to bowl the last over of the innings.
19.1 : Adam Milne to Ruben Trumpelmann, Swing and a miss! Slower delivery, length and outside off. Ruben Trumpelmann looks to have a poke at it but misses.
19.2 : Adam Milne to Ruben Trumpelmann, FOUR! Up and over! A full-length ball, on off. Ruben Trumpelmann lifts it over mid off and bags a boundary.
19.3 : Adam Milne to Ruben Trumpelmann, Full and on off. Ruben Trumpelmann hits it towards long on. The ball just evades his partner at the other end. They take one.
19.4 : Adam Milne to JJ Smit, Slower short ball, outside off. Smit looks to heave it away but misses.
19.5 : Adam Milne to JJ Smit, Fuller, around off. Smit pushes it to cover but straight to the fielder.
19.6 : Adam Milne to JJ Smit, Swing and a miss! Slower bouncer, on middle. Smit makes room and looks to chase it but misses. NEW ZEALAND WIN THE GAME BY 52 RUNS.
Another clinical win for New Zealand and this will help their cause as they try to make it to the semi-finals. Namibia would be disappointed though. If they had finished well with the ball, they would have needed to chase a lower target against this quality bowling attack.
The target wasn't the biggest for Namibia but on this pitch and against a quality attack, it was going to be a challenge. They needed a good start at the top. Stephan Baard and Michael Van Lingen did get a steady start but the scoring rate was slow. But after their departure, Namibia were in big trouble. Wickets kept falling and the required rate was climbing up. Zane Green and David Wiese did try to provide some momentum but failed and perished and after that, they had no chance to make a recov
It was a brilliant show with the ball by New Zealand. Their bowlers have been in good form in the competition and they delivered yet again here. The pacers bowled in good regions up front to make sure that Namibia are not off to a flier. Then, the spin duo of Santner and Sodhi strangled the batting in the middle overs to make sure that New Zealand are always on top of the game. All the bowlers with the exception of Milne took at least a wicket with Southee and Boult taking 2 each and the rest ta
Stay tuned for the presentation.
James Neesham is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH! He says that they did what they had to do with the bat and they were eager to win this match. Tells that it was a tough surface to bat on so they were looking to run hard in the middle and look for boundaries less often. Adds that he is working on his bowling and he is ready whenever he is asked to bowl.
Right then! That is all we have from this game. The next clash will be between India and Scotland. It is going to be played in Dubai at 6 pm Local (2 pm GMT). Do join us for the same by switching tabs!
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says that they knew what to expect when they came to Sharjah. Adds that the surface was a challenging one so they were looking to get to a par score and tried to exploit the shorter boundary. Tells that they were looking to get a couple of big overs in with the bat in the end and they managed to do so. Says that Afghanistan is a fantastic team and they are playing really good cricket in this tournament, they will have to play well against them in the
The Namibian skipper, Gerhard Erasmus, thinks that they bowled well till the 16th over, but the death overs did not go their way yet again. They will try to nail that against a good Indian side. Mentions it was quite a tough pitch and 160 runs were quite too much for today. Finishes by saying that he needs to go back home and nurse his finger.