The constant cricketing action continued to entertain fans as Indian domestic state team of Punjab thrashed international Namibia side. The 3-wicket victory by Punjab came on the back of some of IPL 2024 stars, including the likes of Naman Dhir, who plays for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sanvir Singh (Sunrisers Hyderabad). This is not the first time that Cricket Namibia collaborated with a state association of Indian cricket. Last year, Karnataka cricket team had toured Namibia for a five-match One-Day series and ended up winning it 3-2.
MI star Naman Dhir outshine Namibia
The Punjab cricket team, featuring several young guns who impressed in IPL 2024, outclassed Namibia in the 1st unofficial ODI in Windhoek. This comes after Namibia ended up on fourth spot in Group B of T20 World Cup 2024.
Namibia, after being put to bat first, were bundled out for a below-par 173 runs in 41.3 overs. Naman, who bowls a subtle stump-to-stump off-spin, delivered an effective spell, taking 3/12. Despite bowling just 15 balls, he ran through the Namibian lower-order.
Earlier, Namibia’s batting faltered as none of their batsmen could convert starts into big scores. Openers Louwrens and Kruger were dismissed cheaply, while Jan Frylinck (27) and Alexander Busing Volschenk (39) showed some resistance. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with the lower order unable to revive the innings. IPL veteran and India player, Siddharth Kaul also bagged three wickets with his impressive display of swing bowling.
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Punjab’s chase was anchored by a splendid knock from Naman Dhir (61), who carried his good form from the bowling department. Sanvir Singh (70) also looked good with a fluent knock, smashing 10 fours. The duo stitched together a crucial 108-run partnership for the third wicket that put Punjab firmly in control.
Earlier, Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Prabhsimran Singh (18) and former U-19 India captain Uday Saharan (15) couldn’t convert their starts. Namibia did manage to pick up wickets at regular intervals, but Punjab chased down the target with 17 overs to spare, losing 7 wickets in the process.
This victory underlines the strength of domestic Indian cricket. With several IPL stars featuring in the Punjab line-up, they were able to outplay a decent Namibian outfit. It also portraits a superb character of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament (SMAT) 2023 winners, Punjab.
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