Namibia’s women’s side have ended their European tour on a high after sweeping Germany in a three match series this past weekend.

In the opening game on Saturday, Namibian captain Irene van Zyl put the home side into bat at Krefeld, and the Namibian bowlers bowled well to restrict Germany to 61-8 from their 20 overs, Victoria Hamunyela taking 3-11. Namibia then knocked off their target in just 5.1 overs to win by ten wickets, Sune Wittmann scoring an unbeaten 41 from only 16 balls.

Wittmann carried that form into the second match on Sunday morning, smashing 80 from 33 balls as she dominated an opening partnership of 104 with Adri van der Merwe. Number 3 Yasmeen Khan was also in the runs, scoring 59 from 32 balls as her team racked up 221-3 from their 20 overs. Germany batted out their overs in reply but could only manage 71-7, losing by 150 runs.

In the final game yesterday afternoon, Namibia batted first and scored 186-7 with Sune Wittman yet again top scoring with 67 from 38 balls. Milena Beresford bowled well for the home side, taking 4-22. Germany started their reply well with Janet Ronalds and Christina Gough putting on 62 before Ronalds was out for 37. Gough scored 32 herself but there were no other double digit scores as Germany were kept to 104-8, losing by 82 runs.

Whilst Germany will be disappointed with the series result, there was noticeable improvement as the series progressed. Along with their recent trip to Rwanda for the Kwibuka tournament, they have gained valuable knowledge of the next tier of associate cricket that will no doubt stand them in good stead for the future.

For Namibia, across the eight T20Is to have a result on their European tour they have won five and lost three. It will go down as a successful venture and will have given them knowledge of different conditions which doesn’t often happen in associate cricket at this level.