New Zealand vs Namibia, 36th Match, Super 12 Group 2 - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2021 Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Date & Time: Nov 05, 02:00 PM LOCAL

Namibia have won only one game so far in the Super 12 stage. © AFP

New Zealand have closed this contest out very well, restricting Namibia to 111/7. With the 52-run loss, Namibia are now technically out of the semifinal race. The equation for New Zealand is pretty simple now in order to qualify for the semifinals - beat Afghanistan. If they lose, they are surely out, with the contest between India and Afghanistan for the next round.

DEEPU SAYS: Among those who have faced at least 50 balls (63 players) in this tournament, no one scores at a slower rate than Zane Green's 72.72.

Ish Sodhi seems to be fine and will resume bowling

Ish Sodhi has been hit hard on his head by a shotfrom David Wiese. The leggie, on his follow-through, tried to block the ball and it got deflected from his forearm to his head. He seems to be in some pain but is conscious.

WICKETSNew Zealand's spinners are making their impact early in this contest. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner have picked a wicket each to dismiss the well-set Stephen Baard and skipper Gerhard Erasmus in quick succession.

’s Powerplay score of 36-0 is their highest Powerplay score of the Super 12s, as well as the first time they’ve not lost a wicket inside the opening six overs throughout the entire .

’s length splits by pacers today: Full: 39 off 18 (13.00 rpo) Average: 22 off 22 (6.00 rpo) Short: 40 off 26 (9.23 rpo)

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Deepu reminds us:New Zealand have to win this match by around 70 runs to get their NRR past that of Afghanistan. If they don't, they can't afford to lose to Afghanistan on Sunday.

Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell have walked out to open the innings for New Zealand

Namibia have won the toss and elected to field.Two 'forced changes' for them.Just a gentle reminder. for as unlikely as it may seem, Namibia are still in with a chance of qualifying

New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

Namibia (Playing XI): Stephan Baard, Craig Williams, Gerhard Erasmus (c), David Wiese, JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Michael van Lingen, Karl Birkenstock, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz

Build up

The other day, Scotland had a billion new fans rooting for them against New Zealand. The same brigade will turn their attention towards Namibia today as the race for the semifinal spot intensifies. New Zealand remain in control of their destiny. If they win their two games, they will go through, it's as simple as that. But it's not as easy, is it? Scotland really put up a fight the other day and one can expect the same from Namibia as well. They did show plenty of character against Pakistan but eventually lost steam. If the surface happens to be slow in Sharjah, they know they cannot be outmuscled.

New Zealand on the other hand would want to add to their points tally today considering a tricky final fixture against Afghanistan awaits them. In case they go on to lose that one, they would still want to go through at least on NRR. Martin Guptill looked in great touch against Scotland but he did struggle in the heat. It's another day game for the BlackCaps today and they would need more bodies to step up. Will we see New Zealand take one step closer to the semifinal or will Namibia pull off their biggest scalp ever? We will find out.