4th T20I, Windhoek, October 29, 2023, 02:30 PM
153/6(20.0ov)
154/3(18.4ov)
Namibia beat Zimbabwe by 7 wickets
Right then, that's all from this game. This has been a highly competitive series, and it is only befitting that we get to the final game with the series on the line for both sides. The fifth and final T20I of the series will take place on Monday, 30th of October. The first ball will be bowled at 5.30 pm IST (12.00 pm GMT), but you can join us in advance for the build-up. See you then, cheers!
Namibia's skipper Gerhard Erasmus is the Player of the Match for his crucial contributions in both departments.
Earlier in the game, after Zimbabwe's captain Craig Ervine opted to put runs on the board, quickfire knocks by their openers gave their side a much-needed early push. In the middle phase, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals, which hampered their momentum. Craig Ervine was unperturbed by what was happening at the other end and led from the front with an unbeaten fifty, taking Zimbabwe to 153. His counterpart Gerhard Erasmus starred with the ball for Namibia, with two wickets to his name.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe have been outplayed with both bat and ball but they have only themselves to blame. Having finished on a positive note with the bat, they were hoping to start well with the ball. It was not the case as their bowlers were taken aback by the attacking approach from the Namibian openers. They were all over the place with their lines and lengths and were made to pay for it. The move to continue with Ryan Burl paid off as he dismissed both openers in a single over to bring Zimbabwe back into the game. With not many runs to defend, they needed wickets to stay in the game and even though they managed to get rid of Jan Frylinck, it was too little too late for Zimbabwe.
We are going the distance! An emphatic victory by Namibia has helped them keep the series alive and has given us a series decider to witness. In their pursuit of a tricky target of 154 runs, Namibia were off to a blazing start with an entertaining 82-run opening stand. Michael Van Lingen was the aggressor of the two batters, while Nikolaas Davin was not much behind in finding boundaries to put pressure on Zimbabwe. Just when both batters were looking comfortable, both fell in quick succession, which gave Zimbabwe more than a sniff. Gerhard Erasmus and Jan Frylinck then got together and steadied the ship. The latter could not stay there till the end but the Erasmus batted through to ensure there were no more hiccups in the chase.
In over# 19
4
1
1
1
Tendai Chatara 29/1(2.4)
18.4
4
Four! That is nicely played. The batter waits and then plays the late cut through third man for a boundary.
18.3
1
1 run, this is worked away for a run.
18.2
1
1 run, that is just a mere push for a run.
18.1
1
1 run, that is pushed away for a single.
In over# 18
2
1
1
1
1
1
Ainsley Ndlovu 33/0(4)
17.6
2
2 runs, that is slogged away through mid on for a couple.
17.5
1
1 run, this time the batter goes back and punches it from the crease for a run.
17.4
1
1 run, that is punched off the back foot for a single.
17.3
1
1 run, the batter goes back in his crease and flicks it away through square leg for a single.
17.2
1
1 run, the batter goes back in his crease and flicks it away through mid wicket for a single.
17.1
1
1 run, that is just a mere push for a run.
In over# 17
1
0W
1wd
4
1
0
1
Tendai Chatara 22/1(2)
16.6
1
1 run, that is just a mere push for a run.