Zimbabwe falter again as they lose to Namibia by seven wickets, setting up the stage for a tense series decider

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA

WINDHOEK — Zimbabwe’s hopes of clinching a series victory were dashed when they lost to Namibia by seven wickets in the penultimate match of the five-match T20I series at the United Sports Ground in Windhoek. This loss leveled the series at 2-2, setting the stage for a tense decider today.

Ervine and Kamunhukamwe during the 4th T20I on Sunday. [Image: ZimCricketv/X]

Zimbabwe, having won two matches after an initial defeat, had their sights set on a series victory. Winning the toss, Zimbabwe's captain Craig Ervine chose to bat first. 

The Chevrons put up a competitive total of 153 runs in their 20 overs, losing six wickets. Innocent Kaia opened with Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, replacing Nicholas Welch.

Zimbabwe’s innings had a wobbly start, with Kaia being run out in the third over after scoring 15 from eight deliveries. Kamunhukamwe scored 32 runs and combined with Craig Ervine for a 43-run partnership, the highest of the innings. 

Ervine top-scored with an unbeaten 54 runs from 43 deliveries, smashing three fours and a six. 

However, Zimbabwe’s batting faltered. All-rounder Sikandar Raza was dismissed for just two runs in four balls, leaving Zimbabwe at 66/3 in the 11th over. The middle order struggled, with Ryan Burl adding 13 runs, Carl Mumba eight runs, and Wessly Madhevere seven runs. Faraz Akram was not out with 10 runs at the close of the innings.

Gerhard Erasmus (2/21) and Handre Klazinga (2/35) were Namibia's top bowlers. 

In response, Namibia started their innings strong with openers Michael van Lingen (47 from 27 balls) and Nikolaas Davin (34 from 25) setting up a successful run chase during the powerplay. They maintained control throughout, maximizing on Zimbabwe’s subpar bowling and lukewarm fielding.

Ryan Burl claimed both openers’ wickets in one over, injecting some tension into the game. 

However, skipper Gerhard Erasmus (31 off 28) and Jan Frylinck (29 off 26) were Namibia’s solid anchors, delivering crucial boundaries when required. Frylinck was sent packing by Chatara for 29 off 26 in the 17th over.

Nonetheless, Erasmus ultimately sealed the victory for Namibia with eight balls to spare and was named Player of the Match.

Erasmus said that given his team’s performance, they deserved the win.

“We deserve to be at 2-2, we’ve played a lot of good cricket. Bowlers put in a good shift today, and we could chase it down. Lots of positive takeaways today, our top order has consistently performed and bossed the power play. Getting some match-ups going was also really important for us,” he said.

Ervine acknowledged the team’s weaknesses, promising to polish up the Chevrons’ performance for the final match.

“After the start we got, we couldn’t capitalize. We had a good finish but felt 20-25 short … It has been great preparation, got a feel for conditions. Lots of things we’ll take back from this tour. Need to pick ourselves up and do better tomorrow [Monday].”