In a thrilling T20 World Cup Group B encounter in Barbados, Namibia secured a nail-biting victory over Oman in a low-scoring affair that went down to a super over.
David Wiese emerged as the hero for Namibia in the late Sunday match, contributing 13 crucial runs in the super over, which propelled Namibia to a total of 21. Wiese then displayed his prowess with the ball, restricting Oman to just 10 runs, clinching a vital win for Namibia at Kensington Oval.
The match had reached a dramatic climax as both teams ended their respective 20 overs with 109 runs each. Oman’s hopes were dashed after a stellar bowling performance from Ruben Trumpelmann, who secured four crucial wickets, leading to Oman being all out for 109 runs in 19.4 overs.
However, Oman’s bowlers fought back fiercely, with Mehran Khan’s exceptional bowling spell of three wickets for seven runs off three overs leaving the match finely balanced.
Despite Namibia needing just five runs for victory in the final over, Oman’s Bilal Khan was entrusted with the ball for the super over instead of Khan. This decision proved costly as Wiese swiftly dispatched a boundary and a six off the first two deliveries. Wiese, along with Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus, continued to pile on the runs, setting Oman a challenging target of 22 runs to win the super over.
Taking charge of the bowling duties for Namibia, Wiese displayed composure, conceding only two runs from his first two deliveries and eventually taking the crucial wicket of Naseem Khushi. With Oman needing an improbable 18 runs off the final delivery, victory was all but sealed for Namibia, allowing Wiese to concede a six to Zeeshan Maqsood, securing an exhilarating win for Namibia in what was described as an emotionally draining evening.
“I definitely aged a couple of years tonight,” the 39-year-old Wiese said. “And I don’t have a lot of years left in me. It was an emotionally draining evening.”
Wiese said he had been confident of steering Namibia to victory with bat and ball in the super over.
“It helped that I had a feel of the game and knew if I get a few hits out in the super over … then with the ball, felt like taking the ball and executing.
“The pitch was difficult and didn’t play the way we thought. But we adapted well.”
Oman captain Aqib Ilyas was left lamenting an agonising near-miss – but defended the decision to opt for Bilal as the super over bowler over the in-form Khan.
“I think Bilal is one of the best bowlers you can have at this level,” Aqib said. “But there are days where you plan and it doesn’t execute.
“He was clear, we were clear, but maybe the ball was wet and he couldn’t execute.”
Earlier in the match, Ruben Trumpelmann provided Namibia with a dream start by claiming two wickets off the first two deliveries, setting the tone for an outstanding performance where he secured a total of four wickets.
Additionally, David Wiese showcased his bowling prowess during the regulation 20 overs, finishing with impressive figures of 3-28 off 3.4 overs.
However, Namibia encountered difficulties during their run chase, despite valiant efforts from Jan Frylinck, who scored 45 runs, and Niko Davin, who contributed 24 runs as the top scorers for the Southern African side.
Despite their efforts, Namibia fell just short of achieving their victory target in what proved to be a closely contested match.
