(UTV|COLOMBO) – Namibia were crowned ICC World Cricket League Division 2 champions after a comprehensive victory over Oman in the final in Windhoek.
Both teams were already assured of qualification to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, guaranteeing more regular competitive cricket and their ODI status in the process, before taking to the field.
But Namibia reversed their group-stage defeat to the same opponents to take the win and division title, with Jan Frylinck taking five wickets in the 145-run victory.
Third place went to Papua New Guinea as they overcame United States of America, celebrating their qualification in style thanks to a strong all-round display.
Canada narrowly missed out on a League 2 place and ODI status in their final group game but ended their campaign in Namibia on a high, victorious against Hong Kong to secure fifth place, with both teams now playing in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League.
History was made for Oman as they achieved ODI status for the first time, but they weren’t able to celebrate breaking new ground with a win.
Oman Head Coach Duleep Mendis said: “It was a good tournament, all the teams played very competitive cricket and it was a very good tournament, organised well, I think the best team won the tournament at the end. Now we have ODI status, we will have to put a long term plan in place and how we can sustain this over the next two years. We need to improve and we will certainly do that.”
Scores:
* Namibia won by 145 runs at Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek
Namibia 226/7 in 50 overs (Karl Birkenstock 61, Zane Green 38; Fayyaz Butt 2/28)
Oman 81 in 29 overs (Suraj Kumar 27; Jan Frylinck 5/13, JJ Smit 3/21)
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