The Netherlands defeated Namibia by seven wickets thanks to a brilliant 72 from Bas de Leede in Tuesday’s Twenty20 World Cup Group A encounter in New Delhi.
The Dutch achieved their first victory of the tournament by securing a 157-run target with two overs remaining, thanks to a 48-ball masterpiece from De Leede that included four sixes and five fours. They had lost in the last over on Saturday in Colombo after pushing previous champions Pakistan to the limit.
“I think we were lucky to bowl first. It gave us a good look at the wicket, and I thought we adjusted really well as a bowling group. Later in the game, I felt the pitch started skidding on a bit – so credit to the batters for adapting to that as well,” Reuters quoted player of the match de Leede as saying.
Despite a shaky start, Namibia managed to put up a respectable 156-8 after captain Scott Edwards’ decision to field and rotate as many as eight bowlers. Jan Frylinck (30) and JJ Smit (22) contributed valuable runs, while Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (42) served as the anchor. As he attempted to counterattack, captain Gerhard Erasmus (18) hit two fours and a six before getting dismissed.
A let-off for Colin Ackermann proved costly for Namibia, as Max O’Dowd fell quickly after the Dutch team started their run chase. Michael Levitt, 28, also failed to convert his start.
In his game-changing 70-run partnership with De Leede, Ackermann went on to score 32 runs, to set the Netherlands on the path to victory. Before completing the triumph with a four, De Leede hit Loftie-Eaton for a six to get his team close to the target.
In a more difficult test, Namibia will take on the reigning champions India at the same venue on Thursday.
