T20 World Cup 2021 match preview: Scotland v Namibia

Team news, likely XIs, form guide, players to watch, odds, TV and streaming information, weather forecast, umpire appointments and everything else you need to know

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What’s the match?

Scotland take on Namibia in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled for 6pm local time (3pm BST) on Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium: Ground guide

Who’s got the form?

Understandably, Namibia are riding the crest of a wave after winning their first matches at a men's World Cup, qualifying for the Super 12s in the process.

Wins over Ireland and the Netherlands have taken them to this stage for the first time in their history in just their second World Cup, 18 years after debuting in the 50-over equivalent in 2003.

They will be pleased to start with a clash against fellow associate nation Scotland as they look to continue their fairytale campaign.

The Scots were unbeaten until Monday evening when they were brought back down to earth quite firmly by the might of Afghanistan, who were superb in recording a record victory margin against them at Sharjah.

Until their 130-run defeat, Shane Burger's men were unbeaten, having come through the first group stage with a perfect record. Captain Kyle Coetzer was far from downbeat, though, after Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan had finished running through their batting line-up, instead reflecting on the performance of their opposition. They will be confident of a return to winning ways.

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What are the odds?

Dafabet haveScotland as the favourites to win this match, offering odds of 6/10 in favour of Coetzer's men. Namibia are available at 13/10.

Who are the ones to watch?

George Munsey is still yet to firmly fire for Scotland, though he has shown flickers of his immense talent in his four games to date. Against Afghanistan, he reverse-swept Mohammad Nabi for six in the first over of their reply and he top-scored in an otherwise-dismal batting display.

Chris Greaves began his competition well, starring in the win over Bangladesh, but he has struggled since, with Mark Watt instead coming into view as Scotland's key spinner. The left-armer is a wily customer, digging the ball into the block-hole at will and without imparting many revs on the ball in the process.

For Namibia, the addition of David Wiese has been a game-changer: the former South Africa allrounder has been in tremendous form with the bat, while also playing a key role with the ball against Ireland.

While there has been much talk around the experience of the 36-year-old, there is more to Namibia than Wiese alone: Gerhard Erasmus, the captain, has proven a terrific foil with the bat, and Ruben Trumpelmann has bowled sharply with his left-arm action.

What's the team news?

Stephan Baard was left out by Namibia for their win over Ireland, with Pikky Ya France replacing him. For Scotland, Safyaan Sharif missed their win over Papua New Guinea with a groin niggle but has since returned.

They may look to freshen up their side, with seamer Ally Evans and spinner Hamza Tahir on the sidelines.

Who are the umpires?

The following umpires and match referees have been named by the ICC to officiate in the T20 World Cup 2021:

Referees: David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Javagal Srinath

Umpires: Chris Brown, Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nitin Menon, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Rod Tucker, Joel Wilson, Paul Wilson

The following officials have been allocated to this fixture: 

On-field umpires: Holdstock, Tucker

TV umpire: Menon

Fourth umpire: Rusere

Referee: Srinath

Full T20 World Cup officials appointments: Click here

What's the weather forecast?

Another warm evening in Abu Dhabi, with temperatures expected to peak around 32 degrees Celsius before cooling down gradually.

Follow the Met Office forecast here.

Are fans allowed in?

Yes, though Covid protocols including the wearing of face masks will be in place. 

Click here to visit the ICC's ticketing site.

What’s the prediction?

Scotland will back themselves to bounce back from disappointment against Afghanistan, but Namibia's momentum could give them the edge. A close game between two excellent associate teams.

T20 WORLD CUP TEAM GUIDES

Afghanistan

Australia

Bangladesh

England

India

Ireland

Namibia

Netherlands

New Zealand

Oman

Pakistan

Papua New Guinea

Scotland

South Africa

Sri Lanka

West Indies

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports Cricket (Sky 404, Talk Talk 404, BT TV 423, Virgin 504) will broadcast the series in the United Kingdom, with the content available online via its streaming platform Sky Go.

BBC Radio Five Live Sports Extra will have live ball-by-ball radio commentary of all tournament matches, accessible through the BBC Sport website, BBC Sounds or DAB radio.

The Star Sports network is showing the tournament in India. Matches can be streamed via Disney+ Hotstar

Other broadcasters by territory:

Australia - Fox Sports, Channel 9, Kayo Sports

New Zealand – Sky Sport New Zealand

Pakistan - PTV Sports, Ten Sports

Bangladesh - Ghazi Tv (GTV)

Sri Lanka – SLRC (Channel Eye)

South Africa – SuperSport

Caribbean – ESPN

Middle East and North Africa – eLife TV, StarzPlay, Switch TV

USA – ESPN+

Singapore - Star Cricket, Star Hub and Singtel

Malaysia - Fox International Channels

Hong Kong - Star Cricket

What are the squads?

Scotland: Kyle Coetzer (c), Richard Berrington, Dylan Budge, Matthew Cross (wk), Josh Davey, Ally Evans, Chris Greaves, Michael Leask, Calum Macleod, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Hamza Tahir, Craig Wallace, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal

Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Stephen Baard, Karl Birkenstock. Michau du Preez, Jan Frylinck, Zane Green, Nicol Lofie-Eaton, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Michael van Lingen, David Wiese, Craig Williams, Picky Ya France

What are the likely starting XIs?

Scotland: Kyle Coetzer, George Munsey, Matt Cross, Richie Berrington, Calum Macleod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal

Namibia: Craig Williams, Zane Green, Gerhard Erasmus, David Wiese, Michael van Lingen, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Pikky Ya France, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz

T20 World Cup Hub: News, features, stats, live scores

T20 World Cup fixtures

T20 World Cup squads

Our coverage of the T20 World Cup is brought to you in association with Dafabet India. For more on Dafabet and to place a bet, click here

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