New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) Namibia's captain Gerhard Erasmus acknowledged that his team fell short in their seven-wicket loss to the Netherlands during the Men’s T20 World Cup. He noted that the toss and some missed chances impacted the outcome, admitting that a total of 156 runs was insufficient.

"I thought it was a favorable toss for them to win," he said. He also remarked on the challenging conditions, particularly how the spin bowlers performed during the initial and final overs. "Winning the toss can significantly influence the game, and they may have had slightly better conditions," he stated.

“However, what we could control was how we played with bat and ball. I believe the players did well on a difficult surface early in the game, aiming to reach 160 rather than just trying to hit boundaries,” Erasmus expressed to the media.

He mentioned that Namibia had crafted their innings effectively up to the midway point but failed to capitalize in the later stages. "It’s challenging to just go for big hits. We did well for the first ten or eleven overs, reaching around 70-80. After the twelfth over, we were aiming for a score of 165 or 170, which would have given us a better chance," he explained.

“While the batters structured their innings well, we fell short in the last three overs, missing some crucial run opportunities. In this day and age, a score of 156 is likely inadequate, given the strength of the batting line-ups today,” he added.

Reflecting on his dismissal by Bas de Leede, Erasmus stated, "I felt that it was the phase of the game where the ball was becoming easier to handle. The pitch was starting to play better. I opted for a positive approach, believing we needed more runs despite the tough conditions."

“We started strong, and I saw the ball as playable over mid-wicket. However, it was a tricky length to hit, and we ultimately couldn’t defend our score,” he remarked.

“It felt like we were always just a bit short today. It’s part of cricket, but I’m proud that we managed to reach 150 in tough conditions. We must take responsibility for our performance and accept the loss. We aim to represent our nation proudly and will fight hard in the upcoming group matches,” he elaborated.

Looking ahead to their match against India on Thursday, Erasmus admitted the challenge is daunting. "It can be overwhelming to face a team of their caliber in front of such a large crowd, but we see it as an opportunity to play against the best in the world under lights," he shared.

“We need to focus on the opportunity rather than the pressure of the moment. The excitement of playing under lights and in front of thousands of fans should motivate us to deliver our best,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude towards Namibia's supporters who traveled to India, emphasizing their pride in the team. “Our fans create a family-like support system. When we defeated the Proteas, their enthusiasm was incredible. With a small population, our connection with fans is strong, and their presence means a lot to us.”

“It's heartwarming to see so many supporters here. This year, our touring party is larger than 30, which is fantastic. Cricket is for the fans, and we play to bring joy to them while making our families proud,” he noted.

Erasmus highlighted Namibia's relationship with Indian cricket, noting the support they’ve received from the country. “We have excellent ties with the BCCI, participating in exchange programs with various Indian teams over the years. After our game against India, they will provide us with insights. I've played in Greater Noida during the I-Cup in 2016 and have visited Delhi before, but this is our first white-ball tournament here,” he said.

Seeing a crowd of 6,139 fans in New Delhi was uplifting for Erasmus. “Even though today was a neutral match, it was amazing to see so many fans present. It demonstrates how significant cricket is in India. We've felt this energy in previous events, and it continues to inspire us,” he expressed.

“The upcoming game against India will be a significant step up, but having the World Cup in India is where the energy of world cricket is concentrated today. As players, it’s a privilege to experience this and give back to the fans who make cricket possible,” he concluded.

On their consultant coach Gary Kirsten, Erasmus stated, "I've often shared that having someone with Gary’s expertise in Indian conditions is invaluable. He brings a wealth of knowledge, and more importantly, he connects well with the players, fostering a positive environment for sharing and learning."

"Having a trusted relationship with management allows players to express their thoughts openly, which I’ve found beneficial while working with him," he added.