Wiese called up for the Eagles

Experienced all-rounder David Wiese has been called up to the Richelieu Eagles Namibian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifying tournament that starts in Windhoek next Wednesday, 22 November. 

Wiese last represented Namibia at the T20 World Cup in Australia in October last year, but he has remained active since then, playing for various international T20 franchises.

He recently played in The Hundred franchise tournament in England for the Northern Superchargers, alongside top international players like Tom Banton and Harry Brook of England, and Wayne Parnell of South Africa, where he had a top score of 54 not out.

The 38-year-old Wiese will certainly add experience and depth to the squad in both the batting and bowling departments, where competition for places will be strong. 

Amongst the top-order batters, Niko Davin and Michael van Lingen were both in fine form during the recent T20 series victory against Zimbabwe in Windhoek last month.

Davin was the top scorer of the tournament with 203 runs at an average of 50,75, and a highest score of 80 not out, while Van Lingen was third with 129 runs at an average of 25,80 and a top score of 67. 

JP Kotze and Malan Kruger are also options at the top of the order, as is wicketkeeper batsman Zane Green.

Captain Gerhard Erasmus should come in at number three, while the side has a strong middle-order to choose from, including Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit, Wiese, Shaun Fouche and Helao Ya France.

Amongst the bowlers, Ben Shikongo and Tangeni will spearhead the pace attack, which is well supported by medium pacers, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Wiese and Fouche.

Bernard Scholtz will lead the spinning attack, while Erasmus has also developed into a top-class spinner, finishing as the top bowler in the Zimbabwe series with nine wickets at an average of 10,66. Other spinners to call upon include Loftie-Eaton and Ya France. 

Namibia’s opening match is against Zimbabwe at the Wanderers ground on 22 November. 

The other competing nations are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria and Rwanda.

The Namibian squad is as follows:

Gerhard Erasmus (captain), Niko Davin, JP Kotze, Zane Green, Malan Kruger, Michael van Lingen, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit, David Wiese, Helao Ya France, Shaun Fouche, Ben Shikongo, Tangeni Lungameni, Bernard Scholtz.