Namibia, Netherlands secure ICC World T20 spots: Details here
What's the story
Namibia are set to appear at the ICC T20 World Cup for the first time after beating Oman in Dubai. The victory saw them joining the Netherlands in qualifying for next year's tournament to be held in Australia. It's a historic moment for Namibia after a comprehensive 54-run win to progress. Here are further details on the same.
Namibia vs Oman
Namibia down Oman to make the cut
Namibia were 69/5 after choosing to bat against Oman. Then a 83-run sixth-wicket stand between Craig Williams and JJ Smit helped the side get to a competitive 161/7. In reply, Oman were flying at 57/1 at one stage. However, spinner Bernard Scholtz (3/14) and Gerhard Erasmus (3/19) helped the side get past Oman in a convincing fashion. Khawar Ali was the top run-scorer (45).
Information
World T20 Qualifier: Namibia fourth team to make the cut
Namibia became the fourth team from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier to confirm their place. This happened after group A and B toppers PNG and Ireland made their cut. Also to join the event were semi-final play-off winners Netherlands.
Netherlands
Netherlands breeze past UAE to qualify
Meanwhile, the Netherlands booked their ticket to Australia after thrashing United Arab Emirates by eight wickets. UAE managed to score 80/9 in 20 overs and in reply, Netherlands zoomed past the target with 29 balls remaining. The Dutch face Ireland in the ICC Qualifier semi-finals, while UAE have one last chance to reach the tournament when they face Scotland in a playoff on Wednesday.
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We did it finally, says Namibia's Smit
"We got so many messages from people back home believing in us, and we did it finally," said Namibia's Smit. "I'm relieved. We've been on the wrong side of many of these tournaments."
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The way the seamers bowled was fantastic, says Netherlands skipper
"The way the seamers bowled was fantastic," said Dutch skipper Pieter Seelaar. "We have still not played at 100%, bowling a team out for 80 and chasing it down with just two wickets is obviously close to that mark."