T20 World Cup 2026: Bas de Leede Stars as Netherlands Beat Namibia by Seven Wickets
New Delhi: Fast-bowling all-rounder Bas de Leede produced a match-winning all-round performance as the Netherlands national cricket team registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over Namibia national cricket team in a Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 157, the Netherlands reached 159 for three in 18 overs, with de Leede remaining unbeaten on 72 off 48 balls. His innings included five fours and four sixes and was played at a strike rate of 150. Earlier in the match, he had also claimed two wickets, becoming the first Dutch player to score a half-century and take two wickets in the same T20 World Cup game.
The chase began unsteadily as Max O’Dowd was dismissed early, followed soon after by Michael Levitt, who struck three sixes in a quick 28 before falling to Ruben Trumpelmann. From there, de Leede took control, signalling his intent with a powerful six off JJ Smit.
The turning point of the chase came through a 70-run partnership between de Leede and Colin Ackermann, who scored 32. The pair rotated strike efficiently, punished loose deliveries, and capitalised on missed chances by Namibia, including a dropped catch of Ackermann early in his innings.
De Leede grew increasingly dominant, striking towering sixes off Gerhard Erasmus and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton to bring up the Netherlands’ hundred. He reached his half-century with a straight six and continued to control the chase even after Ackermann’s dismissal.
Captain Scott Edwards joined de Leede to finish the match calmly, remaining unbeaten on 18 off nine balls. De Leede sealed the win in style with consecutive boundaries, guiding the Netherlands home with two overs to spare.
Earlier, Namibia had posted 156 for eight in their 20 overs, with Loftie-Eaton top-scoring with 42 and Jan Frylinck adding 30. For the Netherlands, Logan van Beek picked up two wickets for 13 runs, while de Leede returned figures of two for 20.
Our Thoughts
Bas de Leede’s performance once again underlined the growing depth and confidence of the Netherlands in global tournaments. His ability to influence the game with both bat and ball gives the side a crucial edge, especially in pressure chases. For Namibia, moments of discipline were undone by missed chances, which proved costly against a composed opponent. As the tournament progresses, performances like this signal that the Netherlands are well-equipped to challenge stronger sides in Group A.