Namibia beat Kenya as four teams fight for two ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier spots

Namibia.
Namibia.
  • The top two teams in the standings after Wednesday’s matches will qualify for ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier

Namibia beat Kenya to join Canada and Nepal on the same points at the top of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 table, with only one round of matches left before the two qualifications spots for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier are confirmed.

On the reserve day in Windhoek, Namibia, the round two fixture which had started twice and was unable to be completed due to rain, resulted in a comfortable eight wicket victory for the hosts. Canada, Nepal and Namibia all currently sit on eight points, with UAE sitting in fourth on six points, with all teams still able to qualify for Zimbabwe.

Wednesday’s matches ensure an exciting finish as the top four teams go head to head. Current table toppers Canada face third place Nepal at Wanderers and second placed Namibia will battle it out with fourth place UAE at WAP. The top two teams at the end of tomorrow’s matches will qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.

Namibia v Kenya

Batting first Kenya were looking strong at 77 for two wickets as Dhiren Gondaria (60, 45b, 4x4, 5x6) and Alex Obanda (28) put on a 77-run partnership, before the remaining seven wickets fell for 33 runs as Kenya’s batting line-up collapsed. Namibia’s Bernard Scholtz (4-15) and Petrus Burger (3-17) were the stand out bowlers for the hosts, as the next top run-getter for Kenya was captain Rakep Patel who scored eight runs as they finished up on 110 all out in 30.1 overs.

Namibia’s run-chase was comfortable as Stephan Baard’s 37 runs from 39 balls got Namibia off to a solid start, before he retired hurt. Lohan Louwrens (22), Davi (22 not out) and Craig Williams (28 not out) took over and led Namibia to victory in 16 overs. The win launched Namibia into second place in the table, with all at stake in Wednesday’s matches.

Scores in brief

Namibia won by eight wickets at Trustco UNITED
Kenya 110 all out, 30.1 overs (Dhiren Gondaria 60, Alex Obanda 28; Bernard Scholtz 4-15)
Namibia 111 for 2, 16 overs (Stephan Baard 37 retired, Craig Williams 28; Hiren Varaiya 1-27)

Points table

Team

Played

Won

Lost

Points

NNR

Canada

4

3

1

6

1.12

Namibia

4

3

1

6

0.79

Nepal

4

3

1

6

-0.16

UAE

4

2

2

4

1.22

Oman

4

1

3

2

-0.63

Kenya

4

0

4

0

-2.20

Upcoming matches:

14 February: Nepal v Canada (Wanderers); UAE v Namibia (WAP); Kenya v Oman (Trustco UNITED)

15 February: Final (Wanderers); 3rd v 4th Playoff (WAP); 5th v 6th Playoff (Trustco UNITED)