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All-round Wiese helps Namibia pull off a historic 8-wicket win over Zimbabwe

David Wiese's all-around display, a brilliant half-century from opener Craig Williams, and a handy knock from skipper Gerhard Erasmus have helped Namibia beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the 2nd T20I and level the 5-match series 1-1.


This is Namibia's first international win over a full-member nation.



A target of 123 was never going to bother a strong batting line-up like Namibia, and it didn't as opener Williams spearheaded the run-chase with a fine 53-ball 62*.


Chasing 123, Namibia lost the wicket of their half-centurion from the last game- Divan la Cock- in the final over of the powerplay.


Cock endured a poor outing on Thursday afternoon as he struggled to get any momentum to his innings before eventually falling to Jongwe for a painstaking 17-ball 9.


However, Williams continued to thrive at the other end as the right-hander played some audacious strokes to keep the innings moving.



He was ably aided by skipper Gerhard Erasmus, who chipped in with 26-ball 36 with the help of two fours and a six.


Erasmus and Williams added 65 runs for the 2nd wicket before the former perished, thanks to Tendai Chatara.


The game was as good as over when David Wiese (13* off 12 deliveries) walked out to the middle to add final touches as Namibia romped home with two overs to spare.


Earlier, Zimbabwe got off to a horrendous start as they lost their first three wickets, including the prized scalp of skipper Craig Ervine (5 off 17 deliveries) in the powerplay.


Wiese proved to be the wrecker-in-chief as he sent back both Chakabva and Ervine while Madhevere got run out.



The home side never really recovered from the early blows. While Milton Shumba (29 off 26 deliveries) and Tony Munyonga (23 off 21 deliveries) did chip in with handy contributions, Zimbabwe could only manage 122/8 in 20.


For Namibia, Wiese (3/27 in four overs) and Jan Frylinck (2/17 in three overs) were the pick of the bowlers.


The third T20I will take place on Saturday, May 21, in Bulawayo.


Brief Scores:


Zimbabwe 122/8 (20)


Milton Shumba 29 (26) 

Tony Munyonga 23 (21)


David Wiese 3/27 (4)

Jan Frylinck 2/17 (3)


Namibia 124/2 (20)


Craig Williams 62* (53)

Gerhard Erasmus 36 (26)


Tendai Chatara 1/17 (4)


Match Result: Namibia won by 8 wickets 

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