It's Ultimately A Dream That's Come True For Namibia Players: Head Coach Pierre De Bruyn

Namibia on Friday defeated Ireland by eight wickets to book their berth in the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

Namibia, being an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), registered its first win against a full ICC member.

Namibia beat Ireland to qualify for the Super 12 stage

Once Ireland openers Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien were sent back to the dugout after eight overs, the team’s batting order collapsed.

Jan Frylinck (3/21) and David Wiese (2/22) scripted the damage to restrict Andrew Balbirnie and his men to 125/8 in the first innings.

It’s ultimately a dream that’s come true for these players: Namibia head coach Pierre De Bruyn

Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus led from the front as he remained unbeaten on 53 in a challenging chase, with all-rounder Wise putting his finishing touches to the game.

Namibia head coach Pierre de Bruyn said that it was a dream that turned true for them and is overwhelmed by their achievement.

“You know, it’s ultimately a dream that’s come true for these players. They were six-seven year old boys dreaming of playing against India or Pakistan in a World Cup, and it’s happened,” De Bruyn said.

“We’re going to have a nice bus journey back to our hotel, and for me that dream has come true for these players. All they had the last few years until now was to watch these guys on TV and dream about it, and they’re going to wake up in the morning thinking it’s real. I’m just so pleased for them,” he added.

Namibia saw the development of cricket through corporatisation, and Cricket Namibia president Rudi van Vuuren acknowledged it as one of the reasons for their qualification.

“It has been a reward for three years of hard work; now have to expand our player base,” van Vuuren told Cricbuzz.

“The ICC is using us as a case study for corporate governance,” he added.

Namibia will join India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Scotland in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage.

Also Read: Cricket Is Seen Largely As A White Man Sport In Nambia: Admits Cricket Namibia President Rudie van Vuuren