Namibia all-rounder David Wiese has officially retired from international cricket following his team’s final T20 World Cup group stage match against England on Sunday. Namibia’s campaign ended with their third group stage loss, this time to the defending champions, England. Their only win in the tournament came against Oman.
In a rain-curtailed match, Wiese, batting up the order at number three, showcased his aggressive batting style by hitting two sixes and a four in successive balls off Adil Rashid, scoring 27 runs off 12 balls. However, his valiant effort was cut short when Jofra Archer dismissed him in the final over of Namibia’s chase. As Wiese walked off the field, he raised his helmet and bat to the applauding crowd, a gesture that marked the end of his illustrious international career. He was warmly greeted by his teammates, including captain Gerhard Erasmus, at the dugout.
During the post-match press conference, Wiese reflected on his decision to retire. “The next T20 World Cup is still two years away, and I’m 39 years old now. In terms of international cricket, I don’t know if there’s much left in me,” he said. “I still want to play the game for a couple more years because I feel like I’ve got a lot to contribute. But ending my international career with Namibia at a World Cup against a world-class team like England just seemed like the right time.”
Wiese’s journey in international cricket is notable for his significant contributions to both South Africa and Namibia. Originally from South Africa, Wiese made his T20I debut for the Proteas in 2013 and his ODI debut in 2015.
He represented South Africa in the 2016 T20 World Cup before switching allegiance to Namibia, where he played a pivotal role in their qualification for the Super 12s in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Over three consecutive T20 World Cups, Wiese became an integral part of the Namibian squad, known for his powerful batting and effective bowling.
A Fairy tale comes to an end: Joburg Super Kings bids farewell to David Wiese
Chennai Super Kings’ sister franchise Joburg Super Kings bids farewell to all-rounder David Wiese as the 39-year-old retires from international cricket. Hailing originally from South Africa, Wiese is a member of the Joburg Super Kings family since the previous season of SA20 League. Playing 4 matches for the franchise, the all-rounder scored 85 runs, however, went wicketless in the season.
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus confirmed that the game against England was Wiese’s last for the national team. “Unfortunately, it was his last game, but what a great moment for him to perform like that,” Erasmus said in the post-match interview. “David has had a massive impact on our team. He’s not only a great performer on the field but also someone from whom we’ve learned a lot off the field. He’s inspired us to reach new heights.”
Erasmus further praised Wiese’s contributions to Namibian cricket, highlighting his leadership and experience as vital to the team’s development. “He’s a great guy, and his influence has been tremendous. We’re grateful for everything he’s done for us, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Namibian cricketers.”
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