New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) After pushing Pakistan to the limit, the Netherlands will test its credentials against a quietly dangerous Namibia when the two associate nations meet in a T20 World Cup Group A clash here on Tuesday. The Dutch arrive in New Delhi with tangible proof that they can unsettle higher-ranked opposition. After rattling former champions Pakistan in the tournament-opener in Sri Lanka, the Dutch will look to convert that confidence into points when they take on the African nation.
Namibia, by contrast, begin their campaign against a team already battle-hardened, but one whose narrow loss also exposed areas they can target.
For the Netherlands, the 147 they posted against Pakistan was built on scattered contributions rather than a single dominant performance.
Scott Edwards’ 37 anchored the innings, while Bas de Leede (30) and Colin Ackermann (20 off 14) provided momentum through the middle overs. The Dutch showed that they have the ability to stretch bowling attacks beyond the recognised batters.
Yet, the innings also underlined a recurring concern: the inability to fully capitalise after decent starts. At 105 for four in the 13th over, the Netherlands were positioned for a 160-plus total, but lost five wickets for 42 runs as Pakistan’s spinners tightened the screws.
Against Namibia’s varied but less experienced attack, that middle-overs phase could again decide the contest.
The Netherlands bowling, meanwhile, showed why they remain competitive in global events. Paul van Meekeren’s control (2/20) and Roelof van der Merwe’s economy (1/13) dragged Pakistan into a scrap, while Aryan Dutt’s off-spin accounted for two key wickets.
Pakistan batters too helped the cause of the opposition by self-destructing in the middle overs.
Conceding 46 in four overs to Logan van Beek and struggling at the death against Faheem Ashraf’s late assault highlighted the fine margins the Netherlands continue to operate within.
Namibia will take encouragement from those gaps. Led by the experienced Gerhard Erasmus, the side blend youth with battle-tested performers who have made a habit of punching above their weight at World Cups. Erasmus, Jan Frylinck and JJ Smit form a robust all-round core, capable of shaping games with both bat and ball. Frylinck’s left-arm pace and Smit’s variations could be especially relevant on New Delhi surfaces that tend to reward bowlers who hit hard lengths and mix their pace.
Batting-wise, Namibia will lean heavily on stability at the top from Louren Steenkamp and Malan Kruger, with wicketkeeper Zane Green expected to marshal the middle order.
The presence of young batters like JC Balt and Dylan Leicher adds unpredictability, while Loftie-Eaton’s dual skills provide balance and depth.
Bowling remains Namibia’s traditional strength. Ruben Trumpelmann’s left-arm pace offers early swing, Bernard Scholtz brings experience and control with slow left-arm orthodox.
Conditions in New Delhi could further level the playing field. With square boundaries relatively short but pitches slowing as games progress, adaptability will be key.
For both teams, the stakes are clear. A win here could shape their World Cup trajectory, while a loss would leave little margin for error in a tightly contested group.
Squads: Netherlands: Scott Edwards (C), Max O’Dowd, Zach Lion-Cachet, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt, Timm van der Gugten, Saqib Zulfiqar, Noah Croes, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Roelof van der Merwe.
Namibia: Malan Kruger, Gerhard Erasmus (C), Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Balt, Dylan Leicher, JJ Smit, Zane Green, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, Willem Myburgh, Max Heingo.
Match starts at 11:00 am IST. PTI APS BS BS
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