SHARJAH : Super 12s – Kiwis won comprehensively against Namibia in a well-fought game by 53 runs to improve their run rate and boost chances to get to the semi-finals.
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus won the toss and put New Zealand in to bat hoping to restrict them to a reasonable score and to give advantage to their bowlers. In form Guptill continued from where he left off the other day and raced to 18 runs. However Guptill fell to Namibian bowler Wiese when total was 30. Opener Mitchell also soon followed and NZ was 43 for 2 wickets. The solid contribution by Captain Williamson (28 runs) in the middle order and the runs boosting 5th wicket partnership of 76 runs between Phillips (39 off 21 balls) and Neesham (35 off 23 balls) saw NZ reaching 163 for 4 wickets in 20 overs.
Namibian Eagle’s started the chase with 47 runs opening partnership with Baard (21 runs) and Lingen (25 runs). However tight bowling by the Kiwis kept pushing the the run rate up to force the Eagles to play rash shots. Namibia started crumbling and suddenly were 55 for 3 wickets (in 9th over). The lethal bowling of Southee and Boult soon followed by the spinners forced Namibia to lose their way. Namibia reached 111 for 7 wickets in the 20th over to allow New Zealand to win by 52 runs.
NZ is currently at second position with a healthy run rate. The kiwis final encounter in Super 12s is on Sunday, November 07 against Afghanistan. If NZ wins against Afghanistan, they will be through to the semi finals along with Pakistan from Group 2.
James Neesham of NZ was named the player of the match for his contribution with the bat (35 runs) and the ball (one wicket for 6 runs in one over). (RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]
