Bas de Leede's Brilliant All-Round Display Powers Netherlands to Crucial Seven-Wicket Win Over Namibia

Bas de Leede produced a masterclass in all-round cricket on February 10, 2026, guiding the Netherlands to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Namibia in their ICC T20 World Cup Group A encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The 24-year-old's unbeaten 72 off just 48 balls, combined with his earlier bowling figures of 2 for 20 in three overs, earned him the Player of the Match award and breathed new life into the Dutch campaign.

Chasing Namibia's total of 156 for 8, the Netherlands reached their target with two overs to spare, finishing on 159 for 3 in 18 overs. De Leede dominated the run chase with a display of powerful striking, punctuated by several towering sixes that had the Delhi crowd on their feet. His innings featured a perfect blend of calculated aggression and smart cricket, rotating the strike when necessary and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Colin Ackermann provided valuable support with 32 runs, while Michael Levitt contributed 28 to give the innings a solid foundation.

The victory was set up by the Netherlands' disciplined bowling performance earlier in the day. After winning the toss and electing to field, the Dutch bowlers restricted Namibia to a below-par total on a decent batting surface. De Leede's two crucial wickets broke partnerships at vital moments, while Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton was the pick of the Namibian bowlers with 1 for 31 in his four overs. The Netherlands' fielding was sharp throughout, with several excellent catches and athletic stops preventing Namibia from posting a more competitive total.

De Leede's performance etched his name in Netherlands cricket history, as he became the first Dutch cricketer to score a fifty and take two wickets in the same T20 World Cup match. This seven-wicket margin of victory also represents the Netherlands' biggest win in terms of wickets in T20 World Cup history, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their dominance. Captain Scott Edwards remained unbeaten on 18, calmly guiding his team home alongside de Leede.

The result moves the Netherlands to second place in Group A and keeps their Super 8 qualification hopes very much alive. After their opening defeat, this victory provides crucial momentum and demonstrates the team's ability to bounce back under pressure. Namibia, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to progress from the group stage after suffering their second consecutive defeat.

With several group matches still to play, the Netherlands will look to build on this performance and secure their passage to the next round. De Leede's emergence as a genuine match-winner in both disciplines gives the Dutch a significant advantage, particularly in the subcontinent conditions where quality spin bowling and explosive middle-order batting are at a premium. This all-round excellence could prove decisive as the tournament progresses.