Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up: Day 3 Wrap
Namibia win a thriller against Scotland in the first fixture
A total of eight teams are in action on Day 3 of the warm-up fixtures ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Scotland took on Namibia in Bengaluru in the first fixture of the day, which saw Namibia triumph in a run-fest.
The upcoming games include Afghanistan facing West Indies. The evening matches see Pakistan go up against Ireland in Colombo, before co-hosts India take on South Africa in Navi Mumbai in a repeat of the 2024 edition final.
Namibia triumphant in runs galore
Namibia opted to bat first in their warm-up fixture against Scotland and made full use of the decision, putting on a stunning display of aggressive, attacking cricket. Led by the opening pair of Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck, Namibia raced to a remarkable 137 in just 10.5 overs before Frylinck was dismissed after a superb 88.
Steenkamp followed in the next over after a brilliant 51 off 24 balls, but the momentum never dipped. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus (33 off 22), Ruben Trumpelmann (25 off 13), and JJ Smit (22 off 17) kept the onslaught going as Namibia powered their way to an imposing total of 226.
Scotland, in response, were not daunted by the target. Despite losing opener Michael Jones early, Brandon McMullen and Mark Watt counterattacked with a blistering 102-run partnership in just 7.1 overs before Watt was dismissed for 33.
McMullen fell just short of a century on 95, but his knock came at a staggering strike rate of 243.58. Skipper Richie Berrington kept the momentum going alongside Tom Bruce (20 off 14) and Matthew Cross (11* off 8).
With 12 needed off the final over, Scotland looked on course for victory, but JJ Smuts struck with the crucial wicket of Berrington (46 off 26), turning the tide as Namibia held their nerve to seal a narrow six-run win.