A match-winning innings from David Wiese carried Namibia to a six-wicket victory over the Netherlands, effectively ending Dutch hopes of progressing at the T20 World Cup.
Both sides suffered heavy losses in their opening matches making this a must-win in terms of qualification for the Super 12 stage, and it was the African nation who came out on top courtesy of a stirring chase led by Wiese.
The 36-year-old, a former South Africa player on his second chance in international cricket, struck an unbeaten 66, including five sixes and four fours, to guide his side past their target of 165 in Abu Dhabi.
The Netherlands had earlier posted 164 for four, opener Max O'Dowd at the crease for all but three balls of the innings as his knock of 70 provided the bulk of the total.
Sussex all-rounder Wiese had a hand in his last-over run-out and also picked up the key wicket of former Titans team-mate Roelof Van Der Merwe, while Colin Ackermann (35) and Scott Edwards helped nudge the score up.
After nine overs Namibia’s response was going nowhere fast, with Wiese fresh at the crease and another 113 runs needed at more than 10-an-over. But he and captain Gerhard Erasmus piled on a stand of 82, dispatching the likes of Van Der Merwe and Ackermann to all parts, to turn the game on its head.
Fred Klaassen closed out a fine spell for just 14 runs, leaving another 15 needed off the last two overs but Logan van Beek could not match that level of control, allowing the Africans to get over the line with six balls to spare.
Namibia and Ireland are likely to battle it out for the second qualification spot in Group A behind pool favourites Sri Lanka.
