T20 World Cup: New Zealand beat Namibia To Keep Momentum

New Zealand kept their semi final momentum going by beating a fighting Namibia by 52 runs in Sharjah.

Namibia had won the toss and chose to field first. New Zealand after having a good start lost Martin Guptill and then Daryl Mitchel to be at 43/2.

Kane Williamson and Devon Conway then rebuild the innings with a quick partnership but Namibia again fought back with two quick wickets, both Williamson and Conway departing in the space of 6 runs.

It was then left to Glenn Philips and James Neesham to stop a confident Namibia from restricting New Zealand. Both batsmen took on the bowlers and made quick runs Philips scoring 39 of 21 balls and Neesham notching up 35 of 23 balls to help their side to a score of 163/4 in 20 overs.

Namibia began their chase with some conviction with both openers looking to play with intent rather than safeguard. The first wicket fell in the 8th over with the score 47. After that a couple more followed and from then on Namibia were playing catch up.

Despite David Weise and Zen Green hitting some lofty blows, New Zealand kept a tight hold on the game with Santner again proving mean with the bowl, while Southee and Boult picking wickets when it was needed.

In the end New Zealand won comfortably by 52 runs, though Namibia did end up with 3 wickets in hand.

For Namibia it has been a memorable appearance thus far in the world event and they would be hoping to join the party next year in Australia as well.

New Zealand keep their semi final fate in their own hands and will be looking to carry this momentum forward in the shootout game against Afghanistan on Sunday.

New Zealand 163/4 in 20 overs (Glenn Philips 39*, James Neesham 35*; Bernard Scholtz 1-15, Gerhard Erasmus 1-22) Namibia 111/7 in 20 overs (Michael van Lingen 25, Zane Green 23; Tim Southee 2-15, Trent Boult 2-20).

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