Namibia bowled out Nepal for 157 with JJ Smith taking six wickets before chasing down the target with eight wickets to spare to open the Netherlands triseries.
Nepal’s quest for direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup got off to a rocky start on Tuesday with Namibia bowling them out for 157 and bowling them out with eight wickets to spare in Utrecht. The result leaves Nepal with a chance to reach the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two standings in the first game of the tri-series, which also features hosts Netherlands.
Nepal never bats
Batting first at the Maarshalkerwerd Sports Park, Nepal were unable to find a partnership to build around. Captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 31 and Dipendra Singh Airee with 30 but wickets kept falling at the other end. Namibia’s JJ Smith did most of the damage, running through the innings to finish with 6 for 27 to win the man of the match award as Nepal were bowled out for 157 in 47 overs. After the higher order disappeared, the lower order could only add a few useful episodes rather than complete protection.
Freelink leads the chase
Chasing 158th, Namibia rarely looked troubled. Michael van Lingen responded with a solid base with 51 at the top and Jan Freelinck finished with an unbeaten 77 off 89 balls. Namibia reached their target of 159 for 2 in 37.4 overs and the margin underlined how comfortable the chase was after the openers softened the edge of Nepal’s attack.
Qualifying Bets
League 2 doubles as a qualifying route for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, with the top four teams qualifying and the rest facing a tougher route through the knockout stages. Nepal entered the series fifth and Namibia seventh, so both countries were keen to have a good week in the Netherlands. Namibia took advantage of the early lead. Nepal, who next face the Netherlands on Thursday, will have to turn things around quickly if they are to remain in direct qualifying conversation.
Continue to compete in the World Championship qualifying race