Close call for Netherlands during ICC Six Nations Challenge

A record and enthusiastic home crowd turned up at the Wanderers in Windhoek on Sunday to see Namibia play against a strong Sri Lanka 'A' team in the opening match of the ICC Six Nations Challenge.

Batting first Namibia saw opening batsman Sarel Burger carried off the field in the first over after being struck on the helmet by a lifter from Ruchira Perrra. A partnership of 76 between Danie Keulder (41) and Riaan Walters (48) set the Namibians up for a good total. Wickets however feel quickly and apart from Burger who returned to the crease for 27 runs the side was bowled out for 182.

Sri Lanka 'A' made short work of the Namibian attack reaching the target in the 35 th over with only three wickets down. Avishka Gunawardena was the destroyer in chief cracking 83 off 66 balls.

Kenya playing against a very popular Zimbabwe 'A' came away with a 16 run win after reaching 262/7 in their allotted 50 overs.

The Kenyans had the Zimbabweans in serious trouble at 79/5 but they recovered to be taken to the brink of a victory by Guy Whittal and Douglas Marillier putting on a 142 run partnership, before being bowled out for 246.

Canada nearly caused the upset of the tournament when they raced through the top of the Netherlands batting reducing them to 87/8. Edgar Schiferli (89*) coming in at number 10 to join captain Roland Levebvre (13) put on 91 for the ninth wicket leaving the Netherlands all out on 211.

A steady loss of wickets never helped the Canadians cause with only Nicholas de Groot (54) and Joseph Harris (63) troubling the bowlers. In the end Canada were bowled out for 195 losing by 16 runs.