Namibia’s skipper, Gerhard Erasmus, hopes the Cricket World Cup Qualification Play-off on Namibian soil will boost his team’s prospects of qualifying for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this year.
New look The Qualification Play-off begins Sunday at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium when Namibia plays the US. Both teams need a top-two finish in the six-team competition to qualify for this year’s 50-over showcase.
Erasmus, the team’s inspiring captain, will carry Namibia’s ambitions. Erasmus will lead the team without these players.
Yet, Erasmus is optimistic that he still has a well-balanced group. And hopes to make a quick impression in Sunday’s tournament opener against the USA.
Teams competing in Namibia are welcome. Our house has a good record, and if we keep it up, we may advance, “Erasmus said.
“During the previous six months, we’ve had various absences and employment adjustments. We have the strongest team, and I’m excited to watch the boys develop.
We will play our style of cricket at the Wanderers to challenge ourselves and win the first game.
The United States finished just one slot behind Namibia and fifth overall in their most recent campaign for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. They will still be underdogs to finish in the top two and qualify for the June Qualification competition in Zimbabwe.
USA captain Monank Patel knows his team needs to improve. But the solid top-order hitter is sure his squad can pull off an upset.
After his 2019 ODI debut, Patel said CWC League 2 was fulfilling.
“We did well in our debut ODIs. We can compete at this level, but we need to improve in many aspects. After that experience, we want to do well in this league and qualify for the Zimbabwe qualifiers.”
Patel thinks qualifying for the 50-over event later this year will benefit his country, as the US and West Indies will co-host the 2024 ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup.
The Twenty20 World Cup will be held in the US the following year, giving the US a great chance to play in two World Cups in one year.
