Namibia displayed nerves of steel to clinch a hard-fought victory in the opening match of the second edition of CWC League 2, halting Nepal’s remarkable 15-match winning streak in home ODIs.
Skipper Gerhard Erasmus delivered a career-best performance, claiming figures of 5-28 as Nepal collapsed to their lowest ever ODI total of 132 all-out at the formidable Kirtipur grounds.
Despite a back-and-forth chase, Namibia sealed the win with four wickets in hand and a comfortable 101 balls to spare, thanks to composed innings from Jan Frylinck and Nicol Loftie-Eaton, both contributing with twin thirties.
The match began with Ruben Trumpelmann and Kushal Bhurtel setting the tone, with Bhurtel edging behind to a rapid outswinger from Trumpelmann on the very first ball, marking a disastrous start for Nepal.
Namibia’s seamers continued to wreak havoc, reducing Nepal to 21-4 within the powerplay.
Bhim Sharki showed resilience with a defiant 44, but fell victim to Erasmus’ off-spin, triggering a collapse.
Erasmus capitalized on the turning wicket, securing his maiden ODI five-wicket haul to dismantle Nepal’s innings in the 42nd over.
In response, Namibia’s openers Michael van Lingen and Nico Davin weathered early pressure before Davin fell to Lalit Rajbanshi.
However, Namibia maintained composure, crossing the fifty-run mark by the time van Lingen departed.
Despite a double strike from Sompal Kami, removing Erasmus and Frylinck, Namibia stayed on course for victory.
JJ Smit survived a close call before Loftie-Eaton’s aggressive 31 brought them closer to the target.
Although Loftie-Eaton fell to Rohit Paudel, Smit’s decisive boundary secured Namibia’s triumph.
With a day to regroup, Nepal prepares to face the Netherlands, while Namibia gears up for a clash against the Dutch in two days’ time.
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