2027 ODI World Cup Venue Produces Last-Ball Thriller On International Debut

Namibia's new cricket venue produces a last-ball thriller on international debut, as the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground gears up for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup.

FNB Namibia Cricket Ground hosted it's first ever international match, which was contested between Namibia and Canada on Wednesday

Source : @X/ICC

FNB Namibia Cricket Ground, which is set to be one of the venues for 2027 ODI World Cup, hosted it's first-ever international fixture on Wednesday, March 19, as hosts Namibia took on Scotland in the 2nd T20I of the 5-match series.

The historic achievement could have taken place on March 18, but the 1st T20I between the sides was washed out due to rain. The 2nd T20I produced a memorable win for the home side, as they defeated Canada in a last-ball thriller.

In what was a rain-affected fixture, the revised-rules for 2nd T20I stated that it will be a 15-over-per-side match, where Canada managed 145 runs at a loss of 8 wickets.

In reply, Namibia, chased down the total on the last ball, as JJ Smit's 17-ball 33 helped the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the series.

"I mentioned before the game that it is a special day for us. This venue is special for us. We tried to learn what is the right length on that pitch. We are still learning about our own pitch. We got warmed up nicely, that helped during the rain delay. We played some cards in the meantime and were ready to get on once the match started," said JJ Smit, who was awarded Player of the Match.

Here's What Both Captains Said During Post-Match Presentation Ceremony

Nicholas Kirton (Canada Captain):

"It was a good opportunity. It was a good game of cricket. They were off to a flier but Akhil got us back in the game. Yuvraj Samra will get mature as he plays. He is a great talent. They played really well. In the last over Trumpelmann bowled nicely to keep us to a low score. Lot of low points in the game that made the difference."

Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia captain):

"Special all-round day. It has been a long journey to this day. Getting your own facility. Good to win against a good side. (On Zane Green's innings) It is probably something that he would say he would have wanted to do more through his career. But he was really good today. It is a good pitch, with even bounce even after so much rain around. For us, it is about finding good roles for all the boys. Like today, Green put his hand up as the finisher. Hopefully in the next three games other guys will put their hands up too"