United Arab Emirates (UAE) registered a commanding 40-run victory over Namibia in the opening match of the Namibia T20 Tri-Series 2024 at the Wanderers Cricket Ground in Windhoek on September 29, 2024. UAE posted a mammoth 245/2 in their 20 overs, with captain Muhammad Waseem leading the charge with an unbeaten 89 off 50 balls, alongside a blistering knock from Alishan Sharafu, who smashed 73 off 33 balls.
Namibia put up a valiant fight, but despite the efforts of JP Kotze and JJ Smit, they could only muster 205/8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 40 runs. Muhammad Waseem’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 89 and leadership on the field.
Key Highlights:
- Muhammad Waseem’s Captain’s Knock: Waseem’s masterful 89 off 50 balls*, featuring 6 boundaries and 6 sixes, was the backbone of UAE’s huge total. His partnership with Alishan Sharafu, who struck a rapid 73 off 33 balls, set the tone for a massive score.
- Alishan Sharafu’s Firepower: Sharafu was destructive during the powerplay, racing to 73 off just 33 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 221.21.
- Namibia’s Spirited Chase: Despite the daunting target of 246, Namibia started well with JP Kotze blasting a quick-fire 55 off 32 balls. Gerhard Erasmus (37 off 19) and JJ Smit (38 off 19) provided some hope, but regular wickets halted their momentum.
- UAE’s Bowling Discipline: Ali Naseer (2/45) and Muhammad Jawadullah (2/29) took crucial wickets to derail Namibia’s chase at important moments, ensuring that Namibia never got too close to the target.
- Record-Breaking Total: UAE’s total of 245/2 was one of the highest in their T20I history, thanks to powerful contributions from their top-order batters.
Key Moments:
- Explosive Opening Partnership: UAE’s opening partnership between Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu added a stunning 130 runs in just 10.3 overs, setting a solid platform for their massive total.
- Alishan Sharafu’s Blistering Fifty: Sharafu reached his half-century in just 21 balls, making him the standout performer in the first half of the innings.
- Namibia’s Middle-Order Fight: Gerhard Erasmus and JJ Smit kept Namibia in the hunt with a 64-run stand, but their dismissals in quick succession ensured UAE’s dominance.
- UAE’s Bowling Tightens: UAE bowlers held their nerves, especially in the death overs, with Ali Naseer and Jawadullah closing out the game effectively.
Brief Scores:
United Arab Emirates: 245/2 in 20 overs (Muhammad Waseem 89*, Alishan Sharafu 73, Gerhard Erasmus 2/26)
Namibia: 205/8 in 20 overs (JP Kotze 55, JJ Smit 38, Muhammad Jawadullah 2/29, Ali Naseer 2/45)
Result: UAE won by 40 runs
Player of the Match: Muhammad Waseem (UAE) – 89* (50)
UAE’s powerful batting display, spearheaded by Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, was too much for Namibia to handle. Despite some resistance from Namibia’s middle order, UAE’s bowlers maintained control, giving the Emirates a well-deserved 40-run victory in the opening match of the Namibia T20 Tri-Series. Both teams will look to learn from this high-scoring encounter as the series progresses.
