T20 World Cup 2021: Match 36, New Zealand vs Namibia – 10 best memes of the match

New Zealand started their campaign with a defeat against Pakistan. But they have managed back-to-back wins and have moved to second in the points table in Group 2. On Friday, November 5, the Kiwis defeated Namibia by 52 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. As far as Namibia are concerned, they are out of race for a berth in the semis and will be playing for pride against Virat Kohli’s India.

Neesham, Phillips rescue New Zealand

Namibia did an excellent for the first 16 overs after putting their opponent to bat first. The Black Caps could only manage 96 runs in that period and lost four wickets. Openers Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell scored 18 and 19 respectively, but failed to convert. Kane Williamson tried to put his head down and got 28 with two fours and a six before Gerhard Erasmus rattled his woodwork.

Devon Conway failed to get going as he was run out at the non-striker’s end. In the last four overs, the Kiwis racked up 67 runs at a rate of 16.75. Glenn Phillips and James Neesham made sure that New Zealand amass 163 on the board. Even as Neesham scored an unbeaten 35, Phillips stayed not out on 39. The duo hit two fours and five sixes and stitched together a partnership of 76 runs.

Namibia stumble in run-chase

Namibia made a steady start to their run-chase as they scored 36 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Stephan Baard and Michael van Lingen put on 47 runs for the opening wicket off 44 balls, but the required run rate went up to 9.23. Both batters got out after getting into their 20s. Namibia suffered a mini collapse after they lost three wickets for eight runs in a space of 12 balls.

Erasmus couldn’t get into double digits after Ish Sodhi accounted for his wicket. David Wiese hit a four and a six before Tim Southee trapped him in front. Namibia lost their way completely from there on. Southee got rid of Zane Green, who made 23 after which Trent Boult dismissed Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton. In the end, Erasmus and Co ended their innings at 111 for the loss of seven wickets.

Here are the best memes of the match