Viljoen stars in Namibia 91-run win

Christi Viljoen's all-round heroics helped Namibia to a crushing 91-run win over Netherlands in Mount Maunganui. Batting first, Namibia's openers added 35 in 6.2 overs before both departed in quick succession. Sarel Burger, the captain, and Craig Williams built on their good work by adding 57 runs for the third wicket. Although Netherlands struck twice in three overs, Namibia were well in control as Gerrie Snyman (74) and Viljoen (46*) compiled an 85-run partnership to help take Namibia to 253 for 6. Mudassar Bukhari was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 40.

The Netherlands chase began with Michael Swart and Wesley Barresi falling for low scores as Netherlands stumbled to 25 for 2. Peter Borren, the captain, and Stephan Myburgh added 40 before things came undone as Viljoen and Bernard Scholtz plucked three wickets in quick succession to leave Netherlands at a precarious 66 for 5. Michael Rippon hit a plucky 44 off 73 balls, but couldn't keep the chase on course as Netherlands succumbed to a 91-run loss. Viljoen once again starred with figures of 4 for 33.

UAE captain Khurram Khan put in a solid performance with bat and ball to ensure his side maintained their undefeated record in New Zealand as they recorded a comfortable 80-run win over Canada in Rangiora. UAE posted an imposing 286 for 6 after winning the toss and batting first in an innings highlighted by a 130-run second wicket partnership between Khurram (88) and Amjad Ali (91). Khurram - who also picked up a fine for disciplinary breaches during the game - was eventually run out with six overs remaining while Ali was bowled by Khurram Chohan, who finished with Canada's best figures on the day taking 3 for 65, but the rest of the Canadian attack lacked penetration.

In reply, Canada's top order was wiped out inside of five overs to leave them struggling at 9 for 3 before captain Jimmy Hansra partnered with Raza-ur-Rehman to resuscitate the innings with an 89-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, UAE's bowling unit managed to keep the run rate down and Khurram eventually broke the stand by dismissing Rehman at the start of the 30th over for 43. With the required run rate getting out of hand and victory unlikely, Canada focused on batting out all 50 overs. Hansra finished on 100 not out off 119 balls as Canada ended on 206 for 6. Khurram was named Man of the Match after finishing with 2 for 35 in nine overs to go along with his first innings half-century.