Standout all-rounder Bas de Leede was the difference-maker as Netherlands secured a seven-wicket victory over Namibia in a T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match. His unbeaten 72 steered the chase of 157, completed in just 18 overs at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Namibia, batting after losing the toss, reached 156/8. Lofty-Eaton anchored with 42 runs from 38 balls, featuring two maximums. Frylinck scored 30, Smit 22, and Erasmus 18, but wickets tumbled. Netherlands’ attack shone with de Leede (2 wickets), van Beek (2), Dutt (1), and Klaassen (1).
Netherlands’ pursuit started poorly, O’Dowd out for 7 at 16. De Leede’s arrival changed everything. He added 30 with Levitt (28), then 68 with Ackermann (32), and finally 43* with Edwards (18*). His 48-ball 72, with five fours and four sixes, was flawless.
The decisive boundary from de Leede’s blade confirmed the win at 159/3. Rightly awarded Player of the Match, his contributions embodied perfect T20 balance.
Netherlands celebrate a morale-boosting start; Namibia rues a below-par total. Expect de Leede’s form to influence upcoming fixtures.