The jittery stay of Team England (ENG) at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has seemingly been extended by a few hours after they clinched a thumping victory over the African nation, Namibia (NAM). Notably, the fixture took place on Sunday (June 16), at North Sound, In Antigua.
After winning the toss, Namibia invited England to bat first in what turned out to be a rain-marred affair. The decision initially seemed to have favoured them as the Jos Buttler-led side suffered early jolts as they were reeling at 13/2 after just 13 balls. However, this did not stop the duo of Jonny Bairstow (31 off 18 balls) and Harry Brook (47* off 20 balls) from upping the ante and playing some explosive cricket to post a formidable total of 122/5. Besides, Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone gave the finishing touches with a 21-run last over.
Interestingly, Namibia donned a similar approach and started the run chase on a steamrolling note. Opener Michael van Lingen tried to hold one end with a vigilant (33 off 29 runs) knock while Nikolaas Davin was called off after getting retired hurt. In came the prolific allrounder David Wiese and started smashing the English bowlers en route with a blazing cameo (27 off 12 balls) but it did not prove enough as Namibia finished 41 run shorts as per the Duckworth Louis (DLS) method. Notably, the game was reduced to 10 overs after rain interrupted while England were batting.
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England vs Namibia, Match 34 - Who Said What?
Harry Brook, Player of the Match:
"There was a lot of anxiety going around. Thankfully it stopped and we got a game. We took a bit of information from batting, Toppers started beautifully with his height. It was tough against the big boys. Facing spin in the middle was tough, didn't know how it would come out of the pitch, plinking into the gap for twos so I was knackered. But Jonny was banging it, he batted beautifully."
Gerhard Erasmus, Losing Captain:
"It was a steep chase, but felt bowling first was the right way to go. Wiese doesn't want to open, next time we'd get him in earlier, but unfortunately it was his last game, a great moment in his last game. Massive impact, in terms of the level of cricket he brought to our circle, inspired us to new heights. On-field success have to be disappointed, but coming to international events and the exposure gained is gold dust. Definitely this every time you get this exposure you get better. Definitely can't hide behind the fact we need to play more."
Jos Buttler, Winning Captain:
"A big relief, a stressful day, but we put in a good performance, well prepared when we did play, and played well. After I got out, thought 85-90 might be a good score, the way it was sticking in the wicket, but Bairstow and Brook a good partnership. Class players, not much time in the middle but they created something. We've had two games rained off in England and the Scotland game, but we've done all we can do."
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