ICC CWC Qualifier Play-off 2023: Gerhard Erasmus drives Namibia to a thrilling win over Papua New Guinea

In a thrilling encounter at the United Cricket Club Ground, Windhoek, Namibia defeated Papua New Guinea by 48 runs in Match 5 of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off 2023.

Put in to bat, Namibia had a fantastic start, with Niko Davin scoring 90 runs off 79 balls, including 13 fours and a six. However, captain Gerhard Erasmus was the standout performer with the bat, smashing 125 runs off 113 deliveries, laced up with 11 fours and 5 sixes as Namibia set a mammoth target of 381/8 in their 50 overs.

In response, Papua New Guinea lost opener Tony Ura in the 2nd over before Kiplin Doriga (47 runs off 39 balls) and Sese Bau (54 runs off 44 balls) put on a decent partnership. Assad Vala contributed 57 runs off 61 balls, but it was Charles Amini‘s blistering century (109 runs) that kept PNG in the game. However, their chase was ultimately cut short as they were bowled out for 333 runs in 46.2 overs.

Namibia’s bowling attack was led by Bernard Scholtz, who picked up 3 wickets for 67 runs in his 10 overs. Ruben Trumpelmann and skipper Gerhard also contributed with 3 and 2 wickets, respectively.