T20 WC 2021: NZ vs NAM Review – New Zealand overcome solid Namibia

New Zealand once again stumbled but recovered to get a convincing win against Namibia in their Super 12 game at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on November 5. This was the third win in four games for New Zealand as they made their case stronger for the semi-final.

Earlier in the day, Namibia won the toss and elected to field first. New Zealand didn’t get off to a good start. The surface was challenging and Namibia bowled some tight overs. Martin Guptill made 18, Daryl Mitchell scored 19 while Devon Conway made 17. Kane Williamson also scored 28 runs. But, at the fall of the fourth wicket, New Zealand were 87 for 4 in 14 overs.

This is when James Neesham and Glenn Phillips got together for the match-defining stand of 76 runs. Phillps scored 39 runs from 21 balls while Neesham made 35 runs from 23 balls. Their attacking batting lifted New Zealand’s total to 163 for 4. When it came to defending the total, the Blackcaps were quite brilliant and professional, not giving a chance to Namibia.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee picked up two wickets each. Ish Sodhi, Neesham and Mitchell Santner also picked up a wicket each to restrict Namibia to just 111 for 7. There were some contributions through the batting unit but no substantial score as the African team fell short by 52 runs.

Top performers:

James Neesham: The all-rounder shined with both the bat and the ball. He was struggling a bit at the beginning as he took time to adjust to the conditions. Once he was set, he launched the attack hitting a four and two sixes. Afterwards, he broke the opening partnership taking the wicket of Michael van Lingen.

Glenn Phillips: In the previous match, he struggled for runs scoring just 33 from 37 balls. In this match, he was determined to score faster and he made the runs when his team required the most. His knock consisted of one four and three sixes. He was the one who started the death overs attack.

Records/Achievements:

• Martin Guptill now has equalled the record for most sixes (23) by a New Zealand batter in the T20 World Cups with Ross Taylor.
• Kane Williamson went past Daniel Vettori to become New Zealand’s most successful captain at the T20 World Cups. Under him, New Zealand have won seven and lost two.

Way ahead:

Namibia will now face India on November 8 while New Zealand will take on Afghanistan on November 7.