Follow UsRuben Trumpelmann is an attacking bowler who likes taking wickets with the new ball. Almost 50 percent of his T20I wickets have come in the powerplay. Against Oman, the left-arm seamer took three wickets with the new ball and wants to do something similar in Namibia’s second game of the 2024 T20 World Cup against Scotland on June 6 (Wednesday).
“I think the new ball, you want to strike early, you want to put the team on the back foot. It doesn't always go your way and you have to capitalise. What we picked up in the first few warm-up games and prior to that to our pre-season tour was just that the ball swings maybe one or two overs and you just have to make the best of it,” said Trumpelmann.
“So, I think I might have been a touch fuller than planned but it came off and I'm happy with the results. So yeah, putting the team in a good position. I think at the end of the day we restrict them to a very modest total and it just got more difficult as they progressed.”
The 26-year-old took 4/21 in his four overs and played a key role in bundling Oman out for just 109. In the very first over, he dismissed Kashyap Prajapati and Aqib Ilyas with superb inswingers. “Those two deliveries were special. They'll always be locked in memories.
“The first one maybe slightly over-pitched where I wanted to go. And the second one was just a pinpoint Yorker. Once I struck the foot there, I knew I was off there, almost like… there celebrating, so that was awesome.”
Despite chasing a low total, Namibia pushed the game to the Super Over but that’s when David Wiese stood up with the bat and ball and got his team over the line. “David's, wow, he's a phenomenal player, phenomenal person. The amount of experience he has is just unreal. The way he keeps calm.
“There was so much pressure on him in the Super Over, and he was just like - no one was bothering him. He was just standing there by himself, easy first one four- next one goes six - And I'm like, wow. He's played more games than the whole side together, so that just shows where he's been in the situations he's been in and it just showed in the way he won us the game.”
Speaking about the win, the left-armer added: “The game against Oman was a very special game. Great from the spectators point of view and the Super Over gone our way, so we're happy with that. Had a nice day off. The boys went to the beach a bit and just relaxed. And yes, they were out training, today out training. So really, really excited for the match against Scotland. They're a great side and I think the prep is done and we’re ready to rumble.
“The conditions played a big role. I think the wicket just got slower and slower as they progressed. That's something we'll definitely keep in mind. There's obviously a 70%-30% ratio batting first. We beat the odds luckily. It seemed like the rain has gone away, so that will be less of a factor. But this (against Scotland) will be our first day game here in Barbados.”
Namibia have played three T20Is against Scotland and have won all of them. Scotland’s first match against England was washed out after they were 90 for no loss at the end of 10 overs. “Scotland's a great side as I mentioned and I think we're excited to play them. We're quite an evenly matched side.
“I think all three associates in this group can give each other a go and yeah, they've got two match winners up front with the bat and with the ball as well - so we're licking our lips for a great contest and some bragging rights between the associate guys.”
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