Scotland sustained their strong performance in the T20 World Cup, defeating Namibia by five wickets in Barbados. Needing 40 runs in the last four overs to chase down a target of 156, Michael Leask’s pivotal batting, including two sixes off David Wiese in the 17th over, garnered 19 runs in just six balls, tipping the match in Scotland’s favor. Although Leask was out after scoring 35 from 17 balls, his efforts left Scotland needing just nine more runs. Captain Richie Berrington, remaining not out at 47, clinched the win for Scotland with nine balls remaining by hitting another six.
Scotland Nears Qualification with Key Victory
In a match disrupted by weather, Scotland capitalized on the early and late overs, taking pivotal wickets to restrict Namibia to 155-9. Brad Wheal, a standout seamer, claimed three wickets, including key dismissals of JP Kotze early in the game and David Wiese later on. Namibia’s captain, Gerhard Erasmus, led the scoring with 52 runs off 31 balls. Scotland’s upcoming match against Oman in Antigua positions them for potential group qualification, battling alongside England and Australia. Currently leading the group stage, Scotland could be overtaken depending on the outcome of the upcoming England vs. Australia game.
Scotland’s Tight Victory: A Close Call at Kensington Oval
Scotland lagged in their pursuit early on, with opening batsmen George Munsey and Michael Jones contributing little to the scoreboard. Despite their initial stand of 90 against England, they scored just seven and 26, respectively. The situation worsened when Matthew Cross was dismissed lbw for a sweep against Namibia’s left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz, leaving Scotland struggling at 73-4.
Namibia, coming off a win against Oman, intensified the pressure, requiring Scotland to score 78 from the last 48 balls. Richie Berrington, initially slow, ignited Scotland’s counterattack with a six and a stylish four. However, the match remained undecided as Namibia managed to tighten their bowling.
In a crucial turn, Michael Leask faced David Wiese, Namibia’s star bowler, and aggressively hit two critical shots over mid-wicket, shifting the momentum. Leask’s earlier bowling efforts had also been pivotal, contributing to Namibia’s limited score of 55-4 towards the end of their innings.
The match reached its climax when Berrington clinched victory with a decisive six, celebrated by The Proclaimers’ anthem echoing through Kensington Oval. This win set the stage for a potentially critical scenario involving England and Australia, where net run-rate could determine the advancing teams.
