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The Namibia national cricket team and the Netherlands national cricket team have developed an interesting rivalry in international cricket. Both teams have made significant progress in limited-overs cricket and regularly compete in ICC tournaments, World Cup qualifiers, and Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures.
The Netherlands have traditionally held the advantage in this matchup, thanks to their experience in international competitions and consistent performances with both bat and ball. However, Namibia have demonstrated that they can challenge the Dutch, producing memorable wins in ODI and T20I cricket.
This article covers the Namibia vs Netherlands head-to-head record, ODI and T20I statistics, important match results, World Cup encounters, recent performances, and notable individual contributions.
Namibia vs Netherlands Head-to-Head Record
The teams have met in men’s ODI and T20I cricket, with the Netherlands winning more matches overall.
| Head-to-head statistic | Netherlands | Namibia |
|---|---|---|
| ODI matches | 7 | 7 |
| ODI wins | 5 | 2 |
| T20I matches | 6 | 6 |
| T20I wins | 4 | 1 |
| T20I no-results | 1 | 1 |
| Latest recorded meeting | 31 July 2026 | 31 July 2026 |
The Netherlands have the stronger overall record, particularly in T20Is. Namibia, however, have produced important victories, including their six-wicket win in the July 2026 ODI at Utrecht.
The records above cover the men’s ODI and T20I meetings discussed in this article. Some cricket databases classify historical matches differently, so totals can vary depending on whether older World Cup fixtures and particular match categories are included.
Namibia vs Netherlands ODI Head-to-Head Stats
The Netherlands have won five of the seven recorded ODI meetings, while Namibia have won two.
| ODI statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 7 |
| Netherlands wins | 5 |
| Namibia wins | 2 |
| Tied matches | 0 |
| No-results | 0 |
| Highest Netherlands ODI total in the rivalry | 314/4 |
| Highest Namibia ODI total in the rivalry | 250 |
| Latest ODI meeting | 31 July 2026 |
| Latest ODI result | Namibia won by 6 wickets |
The first ODI meeting between the sides took place during the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. The Netherlands won that match by 64 runs after producing a strong batting performance.
More recently, the teams have met regularly in Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures. These matches are important because they contribute to the teams’ efforts to progress through the qualification pathway for future Cricket World Cups.
Although the Netherlands lead the ODI record, Namibia have shown that they can win by controlling both innings. Their July 2026 victory in Utrecht was an important example of their ability to chase a target successfully against the Dutch.
Namibia vs Netherlands T20I Head-to-Head Stats
The T20I rivalry has produced several exciting encounters, including a famous Namibia victory at the 2021 T20 World Cup.
| T20I statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 6 |
| Netherlands wins | 4 |
| Namibia wins | 1 |
| No-results | 1 |
| Highest Netherlands total | 247/5 |
| Highest Namibia total | 188/7 |
| Latest T20I meeting | 10 February 2026 |
| Latest T20I result | Netherlands won by 7 wickets |
The Netherlands have won four of the six recorded T20Is, while Namibia have won one and one match ended without a result.
One of the Netherlands’ most impressive T20I performances came in February 2024, when they scored 247/5 and defeated Namibia by 59 runs. The match showcased their aggressive batting and ability to maintain a high scoring rate throughout an innings.
Namibia’s most memorable T20I victory came in October 2021, when they defeated the Netherlands by six wickets at the T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
Namibia vs Netherlands Match Timeline
The following table highlights significant meetings between the teams across ODI and T20I cricket.
| Date | Format or tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 3 March 2003 | ODI World Cup | Netherlands won by 64 runs |
| 19 October 2019 | T20I World Cup Qualifier | Netherlands won by 44 runs |
| 20 October 2021 | T20 World Cup | Namibia won by 6 wickets |
| 18 October 2022 | T20 World Cup | Netherlands won by 5 wickets |
| 19 February 2024 | ODI, League 2 | Netherlands won by 7 wickets |
| 23 February 2024 | ODI, League 2 | Namibia won by 24 runs |
| 29 February 2024 | T20I | Netherlands won by 59 runs |
| 3 March 2024 | T20I | Match abandoned |
| 7 March 2025 | ODI, League 2 | Netherlands won by 53 runs |
| 13 March 2025 | ODI, League 2 | Netherlands won by 7 wickets |
| 10 February 2026 | T20 World Cup | Netherlands won by 7 wickets |
| 25 July 2026 | ODI, League 2 | Netherlands won by 58 runs |
| 31 July 2026 | ODI, League 2 | Namibia won by 6 wickets |
These results show how the balance of the rivalry has shifted over time. The Netherlands have won several major encounters, while Namibia have demonstrated their ability to respond with strong performances of their own.
Netherlands vs Namibia: The 2003 Cricket World Cup Match
The Netherlands and Namibia first met in ODI cricket during the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
The Netherlands produced an impressive batting performance, scoring 314/4 in 50 overs. Klaas-Jan van Noortwijk scored a century, while the Dutch batting lineup maintained a strong scoring rate against Namibia.
Namibia responded with 250 before being dismissed in 46.5 overs. Although they produced a competitive total, they could not match the Netherlands’ score.
The Netherlands won by 64 runs. This victory established an early advantage in the ODI rivalry and remains an important match in the history of both teams’ World Cup campaigns.
The encounter also demonstrated how a substantial first-innings total can create pressure on a chasing team, especially in a major international tournament.
Namibia’s Famous T20 World Cup Victory in 2021
One of the most memorable matches in the Namibia vs Netherlands rivalry took place on 20 October 2021 at the T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
The Netherlands batted first and scored 164/4 in 20 overs. Namibia faced a challenging target of 165, but their batters responded with an impressive chase.
David Wiese played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 66. His powerful hitting helped Namibia reach 166/4 in 19 overs, securing a six-wicket victory with six balls remaining.
The win was significant for Namibia because it demonstrated their ability to compete with established international teams on the World Cup stage.
It also showed the importance of experienced players in high-pressure situations. Wiese’s innings gave Namibia the momentum needed to complete a difficult chase and secure a memorable result.
Netherlands vs Namibia at the 2022 T20 World Cup
The teams met again at the T20 World Cup on 18 October 2022 in Geelong, Australia.
Namibia scored 121/6 in 20 overs, setting the Netherlands a modest but potentially challenging target. The Dutch reached 122/5 in 19.3 overs, winning by five wickets.
The match was closer than the final result might suggest. Namibia’s bowlers kept the Netherlands under pressure and took wickets throughout the chase, but the Dutch batting lineup eventually completed the task.
Bas de Leede was an important contributor, combining useful batting with effective bowling. His all-round performance helped the Netherlands secure a valuable tournament victory.
The 2021 and 2022 World Cup meetings demonstrate how quickly the rivalry can change. Namibia won convincingly in 2021, but the Netherlands responded with a narrow victory a year later.
Netherlands’ Record-Breaking T20I Total in 2024
On 29 February 2024, the Netherlands produced one of their strongest batting performances against Namibia in a T20I.
Batting first in Kathmandu, the Netherlands scored 247/5 in 20 overs. Michael Levitt delivered an outstanding innings, scoring 135 runs and helping the team post a massive total.
Namibia responded with 188/7 in 20 overs. Their batters attempted to keep pace with the required run rate, but the target was too large to chase successfully.
The Netherlands won by 59 runs.
This result stands out because of Levitt’s century and the Netherlands’ exceptional team total. Scoring 247 in a T20I requires sustained boundary hitting, effective partnerships, and the ability to accelerate throughout the innings.
For Namibia, the match offered a clear example of the challenge posed by an aggressive batting lineup in the shortest international format.
Latest T20I: Netherlands vs Namibia at the 2026 T20 World Cup
The latest recorded T20I between the teams took place on 10 February 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Match scorecard
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Namibia | 156/8 in 20 overs |
| Netherlands | 159/3 in 18 overs |
| Result | Netherlands won by 7 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Bas de Leede |
Namibia scored 156/8 after batting first. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton contributed 42 runs, helping Namibia establish a competitive total.
The Netherlands responded confidently. Bas de Leede scored an unbeaten 72 from 48 balls and also took two wickets for 20 runs. His all-round performance was central to the victory.
The Dutch reached 159/3 in 18 overs, winning by seven wickets with 12 balls remaining.
The result reinforced the Netherlands’ advantage in T20I cricket and demonstrated the value of all-round contributions in major tournaments.
Latest ODI: Namibia’s Six-Wicket Win in July 2026
The teams met again on 31 July 2026 in Utrecht during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 competition.
The Netherlands batted first but were dismissed for 183 in 48.5 overs. Namibia then chased the target, reaching 186/4 in 41 overs and winning by six wickets.
| Match statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 183 all out |
| Namibia | 186/4 |
| Result | Namibia won by 6 wickets |
| Venue | Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Date | 31 July 2026 |
Namibia’s successful chase was an important response after the Netherlands had won their earlier ODI meeting in July by 58 runs.
The result demonstrated Namibia’s ability to recover from a difficult position in the wider rivalry and compete effectively in the League 2 qualification campaign.
It also showed that the Netherlands’ overall head-to-head advantage does not guarantee success in every encounter.
Leading Players in Namibia vs Netherlands Cricket
Several players have produced notable performances across the rivalry.
| Player | Team | Notable contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Bas de Leede | Netherlands | All-round performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup |
| Michael Levitt | Netherlands | 135 in the February 2024 T20I |
| Scott Edwards | Netherlands | Important batting contributions in ODI cricket |
| David Wiese | Namibia | Unbeaten 66 in the 2021 T20 World Cup |
| Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton | Namibia | 42 in the 2026 T20 World Cup |
| Jan Frylinck | Namibia | Important batting and bowling contributions in limited-overs cricket |
These performances illustrate the importance of individual contributions in a rivalry between teams that are often closely matched.
Levitt’s 135 helped the Netherlands establish a dominant T20I total, while Wiese’s unbeaten 66 played a decisive role in Namibia’s 2021 World Cup victory. Bas de Leede’s performance in 2026 showed how a player who contributes in both innings can influence the result.
Why the Namibia vs Netherlands Rivalry Matters
The rivalry has significance beyond the individual match results.
- World Cup qualification: ODI matches in Cricket World Cup League 2 contribute to the wider qualification pathway.
- T20 World Cup experience: Their meetings in 2021, 2022, and 2026 have provided valuable tournament experience.
- Developing associate cricket: Both teams have invested in developing competitive international squads.
- Different playing styles: The Netherlands have often relied on balanced team performances, while Namibia have shown their ability to win through powerful individual contributions.
- Competitive results: Although the Netherlands lead the record, Namibia have proved they can win important matches.
As both teams continue to compete internationally, future encounters could further narrow the gap in their head-to-head record.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times have Namibia and the Netherlands played international cricket?
The teams have played seven recorded ODIs and six recorded T20Is, making 13 matches across these two formats in the head-to-head record used here.
2. Who has won more matches between Namibia and the Netherlands?
The Netherlands have won more matches overall. They lead the ODI record five wins to two and have four T20I wins compared with Namibia’s one, with one T20I ending without a result.
3. What was Namibia’s most memorable win against the Netherlands?
Namibia’s six-wicket victory at the 2021 T20 World Cup was a particularly memorable result. David Wiese scored an unbeaten 66 as Namibia chased 165 successfully.
4. What happened in the latest Namibia vs Netherlands T20I?
The Netherlands defeated Namibia by seven wickets on 10 February 2026 at the T20 World Cup. Namibia scored 156/8, and the Netherlands reached 159/3 in 18 overs.
5. Who won the latest Namibia vs Netherlands ODI?
Namibia won the latest recorded ODI on 31 July 2026 by six wickets. The Netherlands scored 183, and Namibia chased the target with six wickets remaining.
Conclusion
The Namibia National Cricket Team vs Netherlands National Cricket Team stats reveal a competitive rivalry in which the Netherlands have historically held the advantage. Their strong ODI record and four T20I victories reflect their experience and consistency in international cricket.
However, Namibia have delivered memorable performances, particularly their six-wicket victory at the 2021 T20 World Cup and their six-wicket ODI win in July 2026.
From Michael Levitt’s remarkable 135 in 2024 to Bas de Leede’s all-round display at the 2026 T20 World Cup, individual performances have played an important role in shaping the matchup. As both teams continue to develop, their future encounters should remain important fixtures in associate international cricket.
