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Pak vs Nam: Namibia may have an electrifying kick-start to their ICC T20 World Cup 2021 campaign, but the showcase they portrayed, later on, has almost dragged them out of the extravaganza. As they are left to compete with the full-grown teams of the event, there is no logical chance for Gerhard Erasmus and co for qualification.
At first, they thumbed up versus Scotland but were thrashed by the Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan. Later, encountering majestic Pakistan, they were again trounced by a wide margin. The consequences have left Afghanistan, New Zealand, and least probably, India in a battle striving to fit in the semifinal spot from Group B alongside Pakistan.
Pakistan have just been crazily outstanding. Their Tuesday encounter’s excellent completion has made them Group B’s first qualifier for the World Cup 2021 semifinal. The men in green’s chances were already too probable even before England became the primary to do so.
Beating India, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and now Namibia is much more than only an accomplishment to the devotees and the players themselves. Pakistan is everywhere. However, let’s shed light on where things went wrong for Namibia despite a dynamic start to the Super 12 round. It is pertinent to mention that they were above the Indian-occupied spot on the points table before the Pak vs Nam winded up and still enjoy the 4th spot following Kohli and co’s two back-to-back defeats.
Pak vs Nam: What went wrong for Namibia?
Since the Babar-Rizwan duo is seen opening for Pakistan, there is no force hindering the duo’s power at the spot. Namibia went through a similar crisis during Pak vs Nam encounter on Tuesday.
The opening pair, however, did not have much to represent after Pak vs Ind omnipotent encounter but worked according to the plan during Pak vs Nam. They began with caution making sure not to give wickets too early. Notably, the men in green only registered 29 runs in powerplay on the tricky pitch. Later, often boundaries and running between the wickets kept the scoreboard ticking.
Notably, Azam entered his 14th half-century record as a captain, most by any skipper over the years. There is a pile of records the master of the cover has enlisted during Pak vs Nam. Read here
Thereafter, they made sure not to give the opponents any space to be in their boots. Here are a few things that went entirely wrong for Namibia:
Bowlers downfall after ten overs
Namibia started off really well. The way they controlled runs is applaudable as Pakistan looked off to a steady start.
Green Shirts reached 59 at 10th over; however, they did not lose a wicket. Ironically, they scored 130 runs in the last ten overs exploiting the economic-going bowling line-up of Erasmus.
Death overs out of handle
Namibia must be happy on getting Babar Azam on 14.2 ball and 138 runs on the board, welcoming the new batter, Fakhar Zaman. But, they might not have an idea that on-pitch Rizwan was growling to haunt the prey. Alongside Mohamamd Hafeez, he played a crucial role in totaling 189 on the scoreboard.
Erasmus’ bowlers had a bad day as Pakistan entirely utilized the final overs with absurd hitting.
Giving a free hand to Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeping batter, who had added 16 off 25 deliveries in the first ten overs, smashed 63 off 25 in the next ten overs. His mighty inning included eight fours and four sixes. Declaring several records individually and alongside opening partner Babar Azam, Rizwan remained not out as no Namibia bowler had enough to target the T20 tiger.
Slow start while chasing
Stepping in the field with high hopes of tracking it down, owning the likes of David Wiese, Craig Williams, Stephan Braad, they witnessed the tables were turned as expected.
Despite having wickets in their hands, they fell short of overs and had to coil up the game at 144/5.
Wiese, as usual, gave hundred percent, adding 43* off 31 but looked his efforts going in vain with Pakistani bowlers, making it yet another day for Pakistan. The nation won by 45 runs.
Also, see:
What Went Wrong For Defending Champions West Indies in T20 World Cup 2021
