Namibia vs Scotland 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Match 12

Pride is on the line for Namibia as they take on Scotland at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on June 7 at 12:30 AM IST. Both sides went unbeaten through their regional World Cup qualifiers round. Scotland has never beaten Namibia in T20Is. The magic number is 109, judging by the two contrasting clashes in Group B of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. On Sunday evening in Barbados, Namibia collected two vital points thanks to David Wiese's heroics in the Super Over. They barely matched Oman's total of 109 runs off the last ball of their original 20 overs.

Trans-continental rivals Namibia and Scotland battle for two vital points

Two days later, at Bridgetown, Scotland openers George Munsey and Michael Jones scored 90 runs in 10 overs on a quicker and less sticky surface despite a two-hour rain delay. By the time the DLS method had revised the score, England would have needed a target of 109 if the weather had not interrupted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 group match. And so, we return to Bridgetown for a clash between two teams that have gained momentum since the conclusion of their campaigns at the 2022 T20 World Cup. Both the Scottish and Namibian camps now clearly understand the calculations. Despite the numerous possible outcomes, both teams will approach the game as if it were a knockout.

Last year, Namibia and Scotland topped their regional World Cup qualifiers in Africa and Europe, respectively, with six wins out of six against teams such as Italy and Tanzania. However, they are competing for more than trans-continental bragging rights. Suppose the top teams of Group B fail to achieve their expected two points. In that case, there's an opportunity for a significant upset, especially if Australia can further damage England's position in Saturday's all-important clash. In the meantime, all that matters for Namibia and Scotland is victory here and now.

NAM vs SCO Match 12: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados Weather and Pitch Report

The good news is that the weather in Barbados appears much better for the first week of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with only a small chance of rain expected each day until Sunday. The surface in Bridgetown appeared challenging when Namibia batted against Oman, especially when Ruben Trumpelmann was bowling. By contrast, Scotland's Munsey and Jones appeared comfortable against England's recent attack, with their 9-an-over opening stand seeming insufficient. Though the pitch certainly appears to have hardened up. Regarding the weather, conditions also looked much improved with clear skies. The team winning the toss would want to bat first.

Predicted Namibia Playing XI

Namibia had a close call in their first match against Oman but ultimately prevailed. The team is expected to remain unchanged for their game against Scotland. Neither Jan Frylinck nor JJ Smit bowled a ball against Oman, suggesting that both are still primarily playing as batters. Ruben Trumpelmann, the bowler against Scotland, is arguably the trump card that Namibia needs against Scotland. The dashing left-arm quick broke the back of the Scotland side in their last encounter with a similar opening spell to the one he just produced against Oman.

NAM Playing XI

Michael van Lingen, Nikolaas Davin, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (C), JJ Smit, David Wiese, Zane Green (WK), Malan Kruger, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Tangeni Lungameni

Michael van Lingen, Nikolaas Davin, Jan Frylinck, Malan Kruger, JP Kotze (WK), Zane Green (WK), David Wiese, Gerhard Erasmus (C), JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Tangeni Lungameni, Ben Shikongo, Dylan Leicher, Peter-Daniel Blignaut, Jack Brassell.

Predicted Scotland Playing XI

Precisely two Scotland players experienced the Caribbean World Cup atmosphere on Tuesday. The confidence conveyed through Munsey and Jones's unbroken stand should not be underestimated. There's no reason to think there'll be any changes to the lineup that was named for their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against England. Spinner Mark Watt and Michael Leask have performed well against the Namibians across formats. On the bench, young Jack Jarvis from Scotland might be a tempting choice, having performed well on a recent tour to the UAE in similar low-scoring conditions. However, even though Scotland has a poor record against Namibia, there is no strong reason for a major change in the team that played against England.

SCO Playing XI

George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (C), 5 Matt Cross (WK), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal, Chris Sole, Brad Currie

Richie Berrington (C), Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal.