T20 World Cup: Pakistan extends winning streak defeats Namibia.

T20 World Cup, Pakistan vs Namibia: Continuing their fantastic form Pakistan crushed Namibia by 45 runs. A huge first inning score ensured a smooth finish to the game for Pakistan to remain unbeaten.

Winning the toss and deciding to bat first proved right for Pakistan with the type of balance they have in their squad. The opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam with another century stand between them. These two players complement one another perfectly.

Gaining momentum from the 114 run opening stand, Pakistan did not look back from there. Although experienced former South African campaigner, David Wiese, got Babar Azam while Jan Frylink got Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan finished the innings strong from Mohammad Hafeez’s fiery cameo.

Having got the license to attack following a huge score, Hafeez came out hot. Delivering some delightful batting moments. He used the inexperience of the Namibian bowling attack who were not so good especially at the death.

Pakistan managed to finish at 189 runs. Rizwan was unbeaten till the end of the innings ensuring Pakistan does not slip anywhere. While batting second is comparatively easy, Namibia struggled against the quality bowling of the opponents.

It never looked that the game was going to Namibia’s way. Starting from Hasan Ali who got Micheal van Lingen in the second over of the innings, Namibia went under pressure.

A nice partnership between Namibian opener Stephen Baard and Craig Williams saw the Namibian innings stabilizing. However, the disadvantage of the partnership was the slow run rate. Just managing to score run a ball when the required run rate was around 10 an over was not ideal for Namibia.

Haris Rauf got the opener from his fielding following a run out while Shadab Khan got Craig Williams to dismiss the set batters from the crease. Namibia needed a miracle from someone which never came.

Former South African all-rounder, David Wiese, remained unbeaten and tried to push the innings however it was not enough. Haris Rauf apart from that runout took JJ Smit’s wicket too. While Imad Wasim dismissed Namibian skipper to gather the two points for Pakistan and nearly booked their place for the semifinals.

Watch the highlight of Pakistan vs Namibia, in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

Pakistan vs Namibia, ICC T20 World Cup 2021: post match presentation.

Mohammad Rizwan: (Player of the Match)

“At the start, it was difficult to play as the pitch was tricky. Namibia bowled really well first but I took the match deep to get runs and put up a good total. The plan was to get runs in the back end and it worked well. Our team has been performing well and each and every player is contributing and have all their boxes ticked.”

Babar Azam:

“We started the campaign brilliantly and are just carrying on our form. We had a different plan today to bat first, we started slowly and made sure to take it deep. Hafeez is the senior player of the squad and I am glad he could find his form in the game. Hasan Ali was also good with the new ball today. It was difficult to field with a little bit of dew. We will try to execute our plans and give it our all in the semifinals.”