The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 fever is getting on as the ICC event gets underway on June 1. The USA and West Indies will be hosting the tournament, which will have a total of 20 teams playing in the group stage. Fans will be treated to 55 high-profile matches, whereas the final will be played on June 29. Three teams will be making their debuts in this tournament. Namibia will be playing their third consecutive tournament.
They are part of Group B, which also has England, Australia, Oman, and Scotland. This group looks very tricky on paper. Veteran all-rounder Gerhard Erasmus has been given the responsibility of leading this star-studded team into this tournament. They will face Oman in their opening game on June 2. So let’s do the SWOT analysis of Namibia for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Squad: Gerhard Erasmus (captain), Zane Green, Michael Van Lingen, Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jack Brassell, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Ben Shikongo, Tangeni Lungameni, Niko Davin, JP Kotze, David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz, PD Blignaut, Malan Kruger
Namibia’s Strength for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Experienced Batting Unit
Gerhard Erasmus is the leading scorer for Namibia in T20I history and will be leading the team. This team has the likes of JJ Smuts, David Wiese, Nikolaas Davin, Michael van Lingen, and Jan Frylinck, who have been playing cricket for many years now. Some of them also play in different T20 leagues around the world and have great exposure. That is what is required when you are under pressure. Hence, Namibia can rely on these experienced stalwarts.
2. All-round Capabilities
Namibia is one of the few teams that have selected the T20 World Cup 2024 squad, making up the base of all-rounders. They have 6-7 genuine all-rounders who can give you a few runs with the bat and also bowl some overs as per the conditions. The likes of Wiese, Smuts, and Erasmus have made a name for themselves by performing around the world and are true match-winners.
Namibia’s Weaknesses for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Less Exposure against Big teams
Namibia have everything they need to compete against any team, but one area that might be crucial is the limited exposure they have as a team. They have individuals who have played all across the world, but as a team, they haven’t had many chances to face big teams. Since making their T20I debut in 2019, Namibia have played only seven matches against the top ten ranked nations, so as a team, they might struggle.
2. Inconsistency
There is no doubt that Namibia can surprise anyone and can restrict a few wins, as they have a big problem of inconsistency that has haunted them again and again. They are yet to make their mark on big stages when it comes to facing big-tier teams. Hence, they need to maintain a good level if they want to challenge teams like England and Australia in their group.
Threat for Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
There are a few things that can be a possible threat to Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Firstly, they come with very limited resources and don’t have a pool of big players. Some of their key players are injury-prone, and they don’t have ideal replacements. Adding to that, being a team that has some good names increases the expectations of the fans. That is where they might face a big challenge whenever they step onto the field.
Opportunities Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Well, there are hurdles for Namibia in this tournament, but one thing that can encourage them is the opportunity to rise. They have done well in this format, and if they can show some good form, they can get the recognition that they are looking form. Adding to that, good performances can also help the players get noticed and give them a chance to play in T20 leagues around the world.
Strongest Playing XI for Namibia in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 (Predicted)
Michael van Lingen, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Nikolaas Davin, JP Kotze, JJ Smit, David Wiese, Zane Green (wk), Jan Frylinck, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jack Brassell