In a thrilling Group A clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Bas de Leede delivered a match-winning all-round performance to power the Netherlands to a commanding seven-wicket victory against Namibia. Chasing a modest target of 157, the Dutch side overcame an early setback to cruise home with two overs to spare.
Namibia, inserted to bat after losing the toss, struggled on a lively pitch, managing 156 for eight in their 20 overs. Opener Nikolaas Lofty-Eaton top-scored with a gritty 42 off 38 balls, including two sixes and a four, providing some resistance. Jan Frylinck contributed 30, while JJ Smit added 22, but the innings lacked momentum as the middle order faltered.
The Netherlands’ bowlers struck early and often. Bas de Leede and Logan van Beek claimed two wickets apiece, with Aryan Dutt and Fred Klaassen picking up one each. Their disciplined effort restricted Namibia’s scoring rate, setting up an achievable chase.
The chase began shakily for the Netherlands, losing Max O’Dowd for 7 at 16. But de Leede, promoted to number three, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 72 off 48 balls, laced with five fours and four sixes. He forged crucial partnerships: 30 runs with Michael Levitt (28) for the second wicket and a match-defining 68 with Colin Ackermann (32) for the third.
Captain Scott Edwards chipped in with an unbeaten 18, adding 43 runs in an unbroken stand. De Leede sealed the win with a boundary off the penultimate over, finishing at 159 for three in 18 overs. His all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, underscoring the Netherlands’ growing prowess in T20 cricket.
This victory boosts Netherlands’ campaign, while Namibia faces an uphill battle in the group stage.