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The ongoing tri-nation series featuring USA, Namibia, and Oman is delivering some exciting cricket, with all three teams securing a win so far. As the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27 reaches its midway point, Namibia is set to face USA in the 52nd ODI at Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat on February 14th at 11:30 AM.
USA currently leads the points table with 18 points in 14 games and will be eager to strengthen their position. Namibia, sitting in sixth place with 12 points, will be looking for a crucial win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Match Details
| Match | Namibia vs United States of America |
|---|---|
| Date | 14th February 2025 |
| Time | 11:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat |
| Format | One Day International |
Teams Preview
Namibia Preview
Namibia enters this game with inconsistent form, having struggled in their recent ODIs. Their top order has failed to perform consistently, which has put pressure on their middle order. Zane Green and JP Kotze will be key at the top, but they need to improve their average partnership of 16 runs per innings. Jan Frylinck, batting at No. 3, has 307 runs in 12 innings, including two half-centuries.
The middle order will rely heavily on Gerhard Erasmus, Malan Kruger, and JJ Smit. Erasmus is their most valuable all-rounder, with 382 runs and 20 wickets in League Two. He is also Namibia’s leading wicket-taker. JJ Smit’s dual ability with 333 runs and 9 wickets makes him another crucial player.
Namibia’s bowling attack has been their strength. Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton will look to restrict the USA batters. Scholtz, who took three wickets against USA in their last encounter, has a solid economy below 4. Eaton has impressed with 14 wickets at an average below 20.
A major concern is Michael van Lingen’s fitness. He has 445 runs and remains the only Namibian batter with a century in the tournament. If he is fit, Namibia’s batting lineup will be much stronger.
Key Players:
- Gerhard Erasmus – All-rounder with 382 runs and 20 wickets
- JJ Smit – Hard-hitting batter and useful bowler
- Bernard Scholtz – Experienced left-arm spinner
Predicted Playing XI:
Zane Green (wk), JP Kotze, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Malan Kruger, JJ Smit, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, Ben Shikongo, Shaun Fouche
United States of America Preview
USA has been the best team in the tournament so far, but recent losses have exposed a few weaknesses. Their batting lineup is their biggest strength, with five players averaging above 40.
The opening duo of Smit Patel and Andries Gous has been effective, with Patel scoring 288 runs in 10 ODIs at 32.00. Gous, who has a strong record against Namibia (158 runs in two ODIs), will be a key player. Monank Patel, the team’s captain, leads the tournament with 567 runs, including one century and six fifties.
Saiteja Mukkamalla, Milind Kumar, and Aaron Jones form a formidable middle order. Mukkamalla has been their best middle-order batter with 452 runs in just 9 innings at 64.57, the highest average in League Two. Milind Kumar is another asset, scoring 430 runs and picking 14 wickets.
The bowling attack is led by Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Harmeet Singh. Kenjige has been outstanding, with 21 wickets at an economy of 4.25. Netravalkar (16 wickets) and Harmeet Singh (17 wickets and 199 runs) add balance to the team.
USA has dominated Namibia in recent encounters, winning their last four ODIs against them.
Key Players:
- Saiteja Mukkamalla – Consistent middle-order batter (452 runs at 64.57)
- Monank Patel – Leading run-scorer of the tournament
- Nosthush Kenjige – Leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets
Predicted Playing XI:
Andries Gous, Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Milind Kumar, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Smit Patel (wk), Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Andries Gous |
| Batter | Monank Patel (c) |
| Batter | Saiteja Mukkamalla |
| Batter | JP Kotze |
| All-rounder | Gerhard Erasmus (vc) |
| All-rounder | JJ Smit |
| All-rounder | Milind Kumar |
| Bowler | Nosthush Kenjige |
| Bowler | Bernard Scholtz |
| Bowler | Ruben Trumpelmann |
| Bowler | Saurabh Netravalkar |
Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
The match will be played at Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat. The venue has hosted 27 ODIs and 106 T20s.
- Pitch Type: Offers early movement for pacers, but spinners will come into play as the game progresses.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 189
- Chasing Teams Record: Won 16 out of 27 games
Weather Report
- Temperature: 20-29°C
- Wind Speed: 6-11 km/h
- Conditions: Cloudy but no rain expected
Toss Prediction
- Best choice: Bowl first
- Reason: Teams batting second have won 16 of 27 ODIs at this venue.
Winning Prediction
USA has been the stronger team in the competition and has dominated Namibia in recent encounters. With multiple batters in great form and a well-balanced bowling attack, USA holds a significant edge. Namibia’s batting inconsistency could be their biggest downfall.
Prediction: USA to win the match.
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