Namibia’s Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign was brought to a screeching halt by Scotland yesterday in Nepal when the Richelieu Eagles were bowled out for 153 runs in 39.2 overs (of 50) by the Scottish marksmen.

With their second defeat in as many days, the Eagles are under immense pressure in Kirtipur to win their remaining two One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Nepal and Scotland.

With Monday and yesterday’s two ODIs now in the past, Namibia have only four ODI matches left to earn eight points. The team will face Nepal again on Saturday and Scotland next Monday.

The United Arab Emirates – 23 and 25 February – are next on the menu in Dubai and will be difficult to beat in their own backyard.

Last October, the Emirates (148/3 in 20 overs) beat Namibia (141/8 in 20 overs) by seven runs in their Group A match at the T20 World Cup in Geelong, Australia. This comprehensive victory will still be fresh in the memory of captain Chundangapoyil Rizwan and his men.

Disastrous

Kyle Coetzer (46* runs, 72 balls, 7×4) and George Munsey (103*, 61 b, 12×4, 7×6) only needed 133 deliveries for their 157 runs and a 10-wicket victory yesterday.

At the end of the 12th ov, the Eagles had their backs against the wall with four batters out for just 32 runs. Karl Birkenstock 4 runs (5.2 ov, 1/17), Michael van Lingen 4 (10.5 ov, 2/27), Gerhard Erasmus 0 (10.6 ov, 3/27), Nicol Loftie-Eaton 0 (11.4 ov, 4/30) were easily dismissed by Mark Watt (2 wickets) and Safyaan Sharif (2).

Lo-han Louwrens on 1 and Zane Green on 6 were able to create a 49-run partnership before Green was caught for 25 (35 balls, 4×4). The specialist spin bowler, Bernard Scholtz, achieved the second highest score after Louwrens (54, 88 b, 5×4) on 8 with 30 (39 balls, 3×4, 1×6).

Bowling

Michael Leask (4 wickets for 24 runs in 8.2 ov, 1 empty ov), Sharif (3/29 in 8, 2 empty) and Watt (3/30 in 9, 1 empty) were at the top of their game for Scotland.

– tielman@republikein.com.na