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Namibia won the toss and chose to bowl first
Pitch report:
This is third match on this surface. The wicket seems low and slow and it might be different as it's an afternoon match. Spinners are supposed to get an edge as the ball will stop and it will be a real test for the batters this afternoon.
Gerhard Erasmus: The pitch looks very good, also we see small dimensions on this field and it is tough to defend. Also not really sure how it is going to play, so put them in first and hopefully we will be able to chase down later. Two forced changes for Namibia.
Kane Williamson: Looks like a typical Sharjah surface. Important we build some partnerships early on, get that platform and put runs on the board. Have had a few niggles but so far so good. Lockie is also recovering well but it is all part and parcel of the game. The guys are going alright. We have got the same team.
As the semi-final race heats up in group A, New Zealand takes on an energized Namibian Side in Sharjah today.
The route to the semi-final for New Zealand is pretty simple. They need to conquer Namibia and Afghanistan to seal their spot.
This is the first time New Zealand is facing Namibia in an International Match. Even though there is a huge gap in terms of the strength of both sides, a slip of step might prove heavy on New Zealand as India is eyeing the same spot after thrashing Afghanistan by a huge difference.
New Zealand is in fine form from the start of this tournament. Martin Guptill scored 93 against Scotland and missed the century by an over-boundary only. Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi and Tim Southee are leading their bowling attack and restricting their opponents viciously every match.
But the intense day heat might be a problem of this fatigued side as they are playing back to back matches with one day gap.
Even though Namibia lost 2 matches and won only against Scotland, they have been an exciting side throughout the whole tournament. With an in-form allrounder David Wiese, they get to put up a tough fight against the potential semifinalist and make their way a bit tougher today.
A win today will pave a new dimension for this emphatic Namibian side while losing is not an option for New Zealand.
Teams:
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson(c), Devon Conway(w), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Namibia (Playing XI): Stephan Baard, Craig Williams, Gerhard Erasmus(c), David Wiese, JJ Smit, Zane Green(w), Michael van Lingen, Karl Birkenstock, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz