Middle-Order collapse costs match for Assam

Online Staff / GUWAHATI, June 27: Assam faced another setback on their Namibia tour, losing their fourth match in the One Day Series in Windhoek on Thursday. Despite a strong start while chasing 302, a middle-order collapse saw them fall short by 37 runs. With this result, Namibia XI now lead the five-match series 3-1.
It wasn’t all doom from the beginning. The chase began with composure and confidence. Rishav Das and Subham Mandal stitched together a fluent 90-run opening stand in 101 balls, offering a glimmer of hope that Assam could finally turn the tide. Subham played second fiddle with 35, while Rishav looked in sublime touch, crafting a valiant 93 off 101 balls, laced with ten boundaries.
But once the breakthrough came, Assam’s middle order folded under pressure. Wickets fell in a heap, partnerships evaporated, and Namibia tightened their grip. Sumit Ghadigaonkar (13), Captain Denish Das (19), Sibsankar Roy (1), Saahil Jain (10)- all failed to contribute good score on the board. The lower order, led by a spirited Ayushman Malakar (41) and Bhargav Lahkar (27), tried to revive the innings, but the task proved too tall. Assam ended at 264 for 9 — 37 runs short of the target.
Earlier in the day, Namibia XI delivered a strong batting performance. Leading from the front, captain Gerhard Erasmus played a brilliant knock, scoring 109 runs off just 71 balls, which included six sixes and four fours. He received solid support from Malan Kruger, who scored 50, and Jan Frylinck, who added 57, helping the hosts reach an impressive total of 301 for 5.
Assam’s bowlers toiled with limited success. Avinov Choudhury emerged with the best figures of 2 for 71, but the attack lacked penetration and control against a fearless Namibian lineup.