T20 World Cup: All-round New Zealand thrash Namibia in Sharjah – Twitter reactions

New Zealand defeated Namibia in Match 36 by 52 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. The win has pushed the Black Caps on the second spot in the points table of Group 2 and has strengthened their chances of making it to the knockout stage.

Chasing 164, Namibia could only manage to reach 111/7 in 20 overs to lose the contest by 52 runs. Michael van Lingen was the top-scorer with 25 runs.

Tim Southee and Trent Boult were the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand. Southee conceded 15 runs in 4 overs while Boult gave away 20 runs in his quota of 4 overs.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 163/4 on the board in their allotted 20 overs. Glenn Phillips top-scored with an unbeaten 39 off 21 balls, with the help of four boundaries, including three sixes.

All-rounder James Neesham smashed an unbeaten 35 from 23 deliveries to help Kiwis post a respectable total. Captain Kane Williamson chipped in with a valuable contribution of 28 runs off 25 balls, including two fours and a six.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Tremendous last four overs of ball-striking by Phillips and Nessham does the trick for New Zealand. Namibia were in control for 16 overs, but once the Kiwis got to 163, they were always going to struggle. Stage set for exciting finale to Group 2 in the Super 12s. #T20WorldCup

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 5, 2021

New Zealand edge closer to the semis 📈#T20WorldCup | #NZvNAM | https://t.co/8HFFXJ0FqT pic.twitter.com/tgEM15EK28

— ICC (@ICC) November 5, 2021

A vital 76 run partnership with Glenn Phillips and breaking Namibia’s opening partnership with the ball – @JimmyNeesh is your @ICC Player of the Match in Sharjah. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/4ufdMyNa1c

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 5, 2021

The improvement of Boult in T20 since 2019 has been phenomenal.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 5, 2021

A 💥 finish to the #NewZealand innings, courtesy @JimmyNeesh and Glenn Phllips’ 🔥 batting! 👏

Can #Namibia chase down 164?

ICC #T20WorldCup #LiveTheGame #NZvNAM pic.twitter.com/GLJbuaqVD2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 5, 2021

New Zealand finish the job and pick up the win over Namibia.

Victory by 52 runs keeps them in contention for a semi-final place.

💻 https://t.co/p7sgthejDz
📱 @BBCSounds#bbccricket #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/zCTsREzzlr

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) November 5, 2021