* Oman’s Mehran Khan almost pulled it off by defending five runs in last over – (Match 3)
By Marlon Dale Ferreira
In a match filled with drama, David Wiese’s heroics led Namibia to a thrilling Super Over victory against Oman, starting their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign on a high note. Wiese’s exceptional all-around performance saw him shine with both bat and ball in the critical moments.
Oman, after being bowled out for 109, managed a dramatic comeback with the ball to tie the game, pushing the contest into a Super Over. It was only the third time in T20 World Cup history that a match was decided this way.
Facing Oman’s experienced Bilal Khan, Wiese and Gerhard Erasmus amassed 21 runs. Wiese set the tone with a boundary and a six off the first two balls. Erasmus added to the total with another two boundaries, setting Oman a daunting target.
When it was Wiese’s turn to bowl, he conceded just two runs from the first two balls and bowled Naseem Khushi, effectively sealing the game. Oman couldn’t mount a second comeback, scoring only 10 runs.
Earlier, Mehran Khan nearly won the game for Oman with a superb bowling display. Defending a modest total, Mehran’s tight lines brought Oman back into the match. With five runs needed off the last over, he took two crucial wickets and kept Namibia in check. However, a missed run-out opportunity allowed Namibia to tie the game, leading to the Super Over.
Earlier in Oman’s innings, Ruben Trumpelmann gave Namibia a perfect start, dismissing Kashyap Prajapati and Aqib Ilyas in consecutive deliveries. His early breakthroughs, along with David Wiese’s three-wicket haul, restricted Oman to a modest total.
Namibia’s chase saw Jan Frylinck anchoring the innings with a solid 45. However, Oman’s bowlers, led by Bilal Khan and Aqib Ilyas, applied pressure, drying up the boundaries and taking crucial wickets to keep the game balanced.
Despite Oman’s efforts and the chances they created, Namibia held their nerve, with Wiese’s brilliance in the Super Over making the difference.
This nail-biting finish highlights the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and sets the stage for an exciting tournament. Namibia’s victory in the Super Over will be remembered as a testament to their resilience and Wiese’s extraordinary talent.
Chief Scores
Oman 109 all out in 19.4 overs (Khalid Kail 34, Zeeshan Maqsood 22, Ruben Trumpelmaan 4 for 21, David Wiese 3 for 28, Gerhard Erasmus2 for 20)
Namibia 109 for 6 in 20 overs (Jan Frylink 45, Nikolaas Davin 24, Mehran Khan 3 for 7)
Super Over
Namibia 21 for no loss in 1 over (Davide Wiese 13 not out)
Oman 10 for 1 in 1 over
Player of the Match – David Wiese
