After pushing Pakistan to the brink, the Netherlands turn their attention to a quietly dangerous Namibia in a T20 World Cup Group A clash in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The Dutch arrive with renewed belief after unsettling former champions Pakistan in their tournament opener in Sri Lanka. Though they fell narrowly short, the performance offered tangible proof of their ability to compete with higher-ranked sides, and they will look to convert that confidence into crucial points against another ambitious associate nation.

The middle-overs battle could decide the contest

For the Netherlands, the 147 they managed against Pakistan was built on collective effort rather than a single standout innings. Captain Scott Edwards composed 37 provided stability, while Bas de Leede (30) and Colin Ackermann (20 off 14) injected momentum through the middle overs.

However, familiar concerns resurfaced. At 105 for four in the 13th over, the Dutch were well placed for a 160-plus total, only to lose five wickets for 42 runs as Pakistan’s spinners applied the squeeze. That inability to fully capitalise after promising starts remains a vulnerability, one Namibia will be keen to exploit.

With the ball, the Netherlands again showed why they are a competitive force in global tournaments. Paul van Meekeren’s disciplined spell (2/20) and Roelof van der Merwe’s control (1/13) dragged Pakistan into a tense chase, while Aryan Dutt’s off-spin claimed two key wickets. Still, lapses at the death, including conceding 46 in four overs to Logan van Beek and struggling against Faheem Ashraf’s late surge, underlined the fine margins they operate within.

Namibia will draw encouragement from those gaps. Led by the experienced Gerhard Erasmus, the African side blend youthful energy with proven performers who have consistently punched above their weight at World Cups. Erasmus, Jan Frylinck and JJ Smit form a reliable all-round core, capable of influencing games with both bat and ball. Frylinck’s left-arm pace and Smit’s variations could be particularly effective on New Delhi pitches that reward hard lengths and changes of pace.

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With the bat, Namibia will lean on stability at the top from Louren Steenkamp and Malan Kruger, while wicketkeeper Zane Green is expected to anchor the middle order. Young batters such as JC Balt and Dylan Leicher add an element of unpredictability, and Loftie-Eaton’s dual skills further strengthen the balance of the side.

Bowling remains Namibia’s traditional strength. Ruben Trumpelmann’s left-arm pace offers early swing, while Bernard Scholtz brings experience and control with slow left-arm orthodox. On surfaces that tend to slow as matches progress, adaptability could prove decisive.

For both teams, the equation is simple. A win would significantly boost their World Cup prospects, while defeat would leave little margin for error in an evenly matched group.

Match starts: 11:00 am IST

(By PTI Inputs)