Pakistan played like title-contenders on the night: Erasmus

Despite being on the wrong side of the toss, Namibia made an excellent start in their contest against the red-hot Pakistan side, with control in the powerplay phase. The bowlers restricted the Pakistani openers to just 29 runs after the first six overs, thanks to some tight lines and impeccable lengths. 

However, in the second half of the innings, Pakistan dominated with some brutal hitting, scoring 130 runs in the last ten overs. Namibia’s skipper, after their 45-run loss against Pakistan, stated that the Asian side truly played like title-contenders in the post-match presentation. 

“We knew from the start that Pakistan have high quality players and are an in-form team. They have played like title-contenders to be fair. We talked about being better for longer periods. I thought that after 11 overs, they were excellent in their shot selection. Their quality shone through in the end,” Erasmus said.

The Namibian skipper also added that it doesn’t get easier for them, with New Zealand up next for them. Erasmus, however, pointed out that the encounter against Pakistan would work out as a great exposure for the team at the world stage. 

“Doesn't get easier after this, New Zealand are a quality side too. Hope we can take lessons from this and compete better. It's a great exposure for our players. Shows that more exposure you get, more comfortable you will be at this level. We haven't played a lot at this level. The finger is getting better.”