Namibia edge past Scotland following Ruben Trumpelmann's dream spell

Namibia, who are making their T20 World Cup debut, extended their dream run in the tournament, toppling Scotland in the Super 12 stage by four wickets in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (October 27). 

Namibia went into this game at the back of two back-to-back victories over the Netherlands and Ireland, while Scotland, who were without their injured skipper Kyle Coetzer were decimated by Afghanistan by 130 runs in their last Super 12 game.

Ruben Trumpelmann was the star for Namibia as he picked up three wickets in the very first over of the match to put Scotland on the back foot. His efforts played a huge role in restricting Scotland to a mere 109 for 8 from their 20 overs.

George Munsey played on the first ball of the match before Trumpelmann had Calum Macleod caught behind off an angled delivery as the batter anticipated a lethal inswinger. The next ball was the inswinger and Richard Berrington, who was leading Scotland in place of injured Kyle Coetzer, could do little about it. He reviewed the on-field umpire's decision but DRS found the ball clipping the leg-stump.

Scotland were reeling at 18 for 4 after all-rounder David Wiese trapped Craig Wallace in front of the stumps with a ball that skidded onto the batter's pads. Michael Leask played an excellent innings, scoring 44 off just 25 and then a 32-ball 25 from Chris Greaves took Scotland past 100. It should have been a straightforward chase but Scotland made it extremely tough for Namibia on a slow pitch.

The Scottish spin trio of Chris Greaves, Mark Watt and Leask were able to maintain the pressure on Namibia batters but the seasoned David Wiese (16 off 15) and JJ Smith (32* off 23) found a way to break the shackles.

Wiese was dismissed when Namibia was close to the finishing line but Smit ensured his team crossed the finishing line in the 20th over with a six over point. Openers Craig Williams (23) and Michael van Lingen (18) made a sedate start to the run chase and though runs were hard to come by, the required run rate was never an issue. 

Scotland bowled their heart out but their batters inability to put enough runs on the board led to their downfall.

Namibia will look to continue their winning run when they take on a dangerous Afghanistan side on Sunday (October 31). Scotland, on the other hand, will face New Zealand next on Wednesday (November 3).

Brief scores:

Scotland 109 for 8 in 20 overs (Michael Leask 44, Chris Greaves 25; Ruben Trumpelmann 3 for 17) lost to Namibia 115 for 6 in 19.1 overs (JJ Smit 32*, Craig Williams 23; Michael Leask 2 for 12) by 4 wickets

(With inputs from PTI)