“We bowled only a couple of poor deliveries in 120 balls, and although we didn’t bat as proficiently as we could have, we still chased down the target on the last ball. That feeling of defeating them is indescribable.”

“Two moments stand out when I reflect on it. The elation of qualifying for our first World Cup was incredible, and defeating Sri Lanka in Australia was also memorable. Although those moments don’t compare to beating the Proteas, they come close to the emotions we experienced on October 11, 2025. That was a phenomenal day,” he reminisced.

As Namibia competes in their fourth consecutive T20 World Cup, they are eager to achieve new milestones by reaching the Super Eights stage for the first time. To do so, Namibia must rank among the top two in a tough group that includes defending champions India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and the United States of America (USA).

“Advancing to the Super Eights would be astounding for Namibia. Just imagine a match against Australia or facing India again—it would be fantastic. Achieving that would require defeating at least three teams in our group or possibly two while hoping for favorable outcomes in other matches. But it is definitely achievable,” he stated.

“In the past year of T20 cricket, we have triumphed over two or three Test nations. However, the World Cup is a different ball game—there are crowds, increased media attention, and heightened scrutiny. So reaching this goal would be a significant achievement, but it is entirely within our reach,” Smit added.

To cope with the demands of being a genuine all-rounder for Namibia, Smit has adapted his training regimen. “Balancing the role of an all-rounder necessitates staying fit and strong. I’m unsure if our trainer considers me fit, but he certainly makes me work hard, and our physio keeps me active on the field,” he mentioned.

“I can strike the ball well, but it’s vital to bat for extended periods. My objective is to maximize my batting duration in both 50-over and T20 formats. Batting is undeniably the most enjoyable aspect of the game, more so than bowling.”

“As for my bowling preparation, I avoid bowling as much as I used to. With age, I manage my bowling workload effectively. I rarely bowl in the nets, as I prefer to focus on batting practice. I find it much more enjoyable to hit balls and spend time at the crease,” he concluded.

For a smaller nation like Namibia, competing against cricketing giants necessitates thorough preparation for the unique atmosphere of Indian venues, particularly as they face India in New Delhi on Thursday. Their recent tour to Nepal, where they played before 15,000 passionate fans, has provided valuable experience.

“Back home, people really enjoy T20 cricket. During our match against the Proteas, there were around 4,000 fans in attendance. The stadium was packed, albeit smaller than the grand venues in India, and the crowd was incredibly supportive. They are enthusiastic about T20 cricket and our team,” he stated.

“I’m uncertain how younger players prepare or what coaches expect from them. However, I have faced India and Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup. A positive aspect for Namibia is our experience playing against Nepal, where the crowds are sizable, with about 15,000 attendees. This has been a good preparation.”

“I understand that it’s not the same, but playing in front of those fans in Nepal is remarkable; they are knowledgeable supporters who truly grasp the nuances of cricket. They appreciate a dot ball, a wicket, and a six—they understand the differences,” he emphasized.

“Competing in front of such fans has been immensely beneficial. I believe it has helped prepare some of our younger players, letting them know what to expect. However, facing India in Delhi is unparalleled. I don’t think there’s any preparation that can entirely equip you for that experience, aside from playing against India in Delhi,” he concluded.