T20 World Cup 2026: Namibia Coach Craig Williams Admits Batting Fell Short in Loss to Netherlands
New Delhi: Namibia head coach Craig Williams admitted that his side fell short with the bat after a seven-wicket defeat to the Netherlands national cricket team in their Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.
Namibia managed 156 for eight on a sticky surface, an effort Williams felt was below par. The innings showed early intent but lacked composure, with wickets falling at regular intervals. A brief recovery came through a 52-run partnership between Jan Frylinck and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, who top-scored with 42, but the momentum could not be sustained.
Williams said Namibia left valuable runs in the death overs and believed they were around 20 to 30 runs short. He added that despite the disappointment, the bowling unit showed discipline and pride, executing plans well enough to keep the contest alive until the middle overs.
He noted that the lack of runs on the board always put the team under pressure, with the Netherlands staying ahead of the required rate throughout the chase and finishing the match with two overs to spare. Williams felt the inability of batters to convert starts into a substantial innings left the side playing catch-up for most of the game.
Looking ahead to Namibia’s next fixture against India national cricket team at the same venue on Thursday, Williams stressed the importance of sticking to basics. He said the team needs one of the top four batters to spend extended time at the crease and build partnerships, something that was missing against the Netherlands.
Williams described playing India in India as a special occasion, acknowledging the challenge while also calling it an exciting opportunity. He said the team remains focused on its game plan and is keen to put up a strong performance in front of a large crowd.
Preparation under lights was another area highlighted by the Namibia coach, who admitted that his side does not often play night games. He said the team has planned evening practice sessions to adjust to conditions and ensure players are mentally and physically ready.
Despite the defeat, Williams said the team environment remains positive, pointing to strong fitness levels, good recent performances, and a healthy dressing-room atmosphere. He added that Namibia will aim to use these strengths to give India a competitive fight in their upcoming match.
Our Thoughts
Namibia’s performance against the Netherlands showed promise but also exposed familiar issues around batting depth and finishing. Craig Williams’ assessment reflects a realistic view of where the game slipped away, while also underlining belief in his team’s preparation and mindset. Facing India at the same venue will be a far tougher test, but disciplined execution and improved partnerships could help Namibia turn competitiveness into results as the tournament progresses.