Eagles defeat USA, set their target on PNG
Today's match rescheduled
The tour halfway across the world has been tough, but successful so far.
Despite feeling the effects of hot and humid conditions in Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, the Namibia Eagles have done their part so far, winning both one-day matches against the USA.The Namibians, who have a good number of matches in hand on the frontrunners in the overall ICC World Cup League 2 series (2019-2023), have taken four points off the Americans, while denying them the opportunity to add any.
Namibia won the second clash against the USA by 68 runs on Saturday.
Batting first, Namibia built up a solid total of 254/5 in their 50 overs – an even more imposing target than the 176 of two days before, which also ended up being a winning performance.
The Eagles lost opener Divan la Cock in the fifth over for 6, but Lo-han Louwrens (57 of 105 balls, three fours) and Stephen Baard (53 off 70, 5x4 1x6) took the score to 114 before Baard was caught out.
His dismissal brought Gerhard Erasmus to the crease, whose captain’s knock of 87 from 72 balls contained nine fours and one six. Erasmus was later named player of the match after also taking 1/38 in ten overs of spin bowling.
JJ Smit added an unbeaten 29 off 32 balls, but later left the field after completing his bowling spell of 0/21 in five overs.
Tough tour
Left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz once again ripped three USA wickets out for just 19 runs in 10 overs (two maidens), while seam bowler Tangeni Lungameni also grabbed his opportunity (2/2/29 in 6).
The USA batsmen also handled Ruben Trumpelmann's left-arm pace quite respectfully (1/22 in 7), as they were restricted to 186/7.
"I felt our total (254/5) was probably 10-20 runs better than a par score on a very good wicket, which offered reward for bowlers willing to put some energy on the ball," Erasmus said while receiving the player-of-the-match award.
"It’s been a tough tour, flying across the world and still trying to get our sleeping patterns right and trying to acclimatise, but all credit to the backroom staff who got us this fit."
Namibia was scheduled to play hosts Papua New Guinea today and Wednesday.
However, Monday was declared a national day of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and today’s match has therefore been rescheduled to tomorrow.
All matches are streamed live on icc.tv, with play starting at 02:00 Namibian time.