Scotland inflict Namibia fourth consecutive loss

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb 21 : Namibia conceded its fourth consecutive loss at Tri-Series under ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 following a 43-run defeat at the hands of Scotland at TU Cricket Ground, Kathmandu on Monday.

After a victory over Namibia, Champions Scotland fortified its unassailable League 2 table lead with 50 points off 35 matches. League-2 winner Scotland will lift the title trophy after playing its last match against Nepal 

on Tuesday. 

The back-to-back loss of Namibia at Kirtipur ensured Oman the second position with 44 points from 36 matches. 

Namibia, who sits in third place with 37 points from 34 matches, has two matches to play. The UAE (27 points from 26 matches) and Nepal (24 points from 27 matches) could displace Namibia from the third 

position provided they win in their remaining matches. 

After a poor run in Kathmandu, Namibia’s Assistant Coach Albie Morkel said the series has been worst so far. “The series has been worse than expected. Our batting was not impressive. This is the first series, where Namibia could not secure even one win.”

The USA is in fourth place with 35 points from 36 matches. Papua New Guinea is at the bottom of the league standings with five points from 28 matches.

Scotland bowlers packed up Namibia for 178 runs in 38.4 overs. Mark Watt claimed four wickets while Michael Leask grabbed three wickets and Brandon McMullen took two wickets in a comfortable victory for Scotland.

Opener Lo-handre Louwrens scored the highest 52 for Namibia. He scored six boundaries off 67 balls. 

Skipper Gerhard Erasmus hit four fences and two maximums in his 38-ball 43 knocks. Zane Green struggled to collect 25 runs off 

40 balls today.

Earlier, Scotland chose to bat first and posted a medium total of 221 runs in 48.4 overs losing all the wickets. 

Christopher McBride chipped in the highest 47 runs off 75 balls that included seven boundaries.

Tomas Mackintosh hit 34 runs off 48 balls and skipper Richie Berrington scored 32 runs for the league leader.

Similarly, Michael Leask added 29 runs to the scoreboard while Liam Naylor (20) and Matthew Cross (16) also contributed to Scotland’s win.

Ruben Trumpelmann claimed five wickets while Tangeni Lungameni grabbed two wickets for Namibia. Trumpelmann was declared the Player of the match for his remarkable five wickets 

against Scotland.