T20 World Cup 2022: Netherlands players engage in wild celebration after UAE's victory sealed their Super 12 spot

UAE pulled off one of the upsets of the tournament after beating Namibia by seven runs in Geelong to halt their opponent's progress through to the Super 12 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup. Namibia's shock defeat meant that the Netherlands joined Sri Lanka, their opponents earlier in the day, in the Super 12 stage of the tournament. The Dutch players were involved in a wild celebration after UAE knocked Namibia out of the tournament to ensure their qualification.

The Netherlands suffered a damaging defeat against Asian Champions Sri Lanka earlier in the day, seemingly ending their campaign since Namibia were heavy favorites against minnows UAE in the afternoon clash. But dejection turned into elation after the Asian side pulled off one of the results of the tournament by defeating Namibia. 

The Dutch players were hooked to the television set after another thrilling encounter in the ongoing Group Stage of the T20 World Cup. The match was in the balance until the very last over with Namibia needing 14 off six deliveries to qualify for the next round. David Wiese had the UAE bowlers on the ropes before Muhammad Waseem pulled off a stellar final over to the delight of the Dutch cricketers, who got together in a huddle to celebrate their qualification.

Celebration by the Dutch cricket team, having just qualified for the follow-up by the narrow defeat of Namibia by UAE. Yet another nail biting experience. #ICCT20WC2022 #ICCT20WC @T20Worldcup #Australia #CricketNL @KNCBcricket pic.twitter.com/pVNjMVYgUG

— VRA Cricket Amsterdam (@VRA_Cricket_AMS) October 20, 2022

Muhammed Waseem's all-round show knocked Namibia out of the competetion

UAE found an unlikely hero with the ball in the form of opening batter Muhammad Waseem, who helped his side to their first-ever victory at the T20 World Cup 2022. Although it was his series of unplayable yorkers that got his side home, the batter credited his compatriots for an excellent penultimate over that gave him the confidence to bowl the last over.

"It was tough bowling at the death after so long, but I was always confident. I think the way we bowled the second-last over, we got back into the game. The plan was to keep it straight as the boundaries in front of the wicket were very long. The previous two games also we were in winning positions, we could have won them. Very happy to have won a World Cup game for the first time," Muhammad Waseem said after being named the player of the match against Namibia.