Namibia will conclude its journey at the 2024 T20 World Cup this weekend, leaving a memorable mark on the competition. They participated in the first T20 World Cup super over since 2012 in a thrilling encounter against Oman. Both teams scored 109 runs, but Namibia clinched an 11-run victory in the tie-breaking over, thanks to David Wiese’s outstanding performance with 13* off four balls.
In their second match against Scotland, Namibia set a competitive target of 156 runs. However, Scotland dominated from the start in their chase and secured victory with 1.3 overs to spare. Despite a valiant effort, Namibia’s hopes of advancing to the Super Eight were ended by Australia during the week.
In their final match, Namibia will have an opportunity to make headlines once more by potentially knocking out defending champions England from the competition. A defeat for England this weekend would mean their second consecutive early exit from a World Cup, following their disappointment in the ODI World Cup in India last year.
England faced a critical situation after a no-result against Scotland and a heavy defeat to Australia. They needed a big win against Oman to stay alive in the tournament. The Three Lions delivered spectacularly as Adil Rashid (4/11), Jofra Archer (3/12), and Mark Wood (3/12) combined to bowl Oman out for just 47 runs in 13.2 overs.
Jos Buttler then smashed a quickfire 24 off eight balls to lead England to victory in a mere 3.1 overs, significantly improving their net run rate from -1.800 to +3.081, well above Scotland’s +2.164.
A win for England this weekend would level them on five points with Scotland, who face Australia in their final match on Sunday. If both teams end with the same points, the team with the superior net run rate will progress to the Super Eight alongside Australia. Therefore, Buttler and his team will aim for another convincing victory to secure their spot in the next stage of the tournament.