Unstoppable Yasmeen stars with 145 not out

Cricket
Yasmeen Khan now stands alone as the first Namibian women's batter to score a century in a 50-over match.
Andrew Poolman
  • 22 Hours Ago
On a crisp morning at the HP Oval in Olympia, Yasmeen Khan delivered one of the finest batting performances ever seen in Namibian women’s cricket on Tuesday.

In the Capricorn Eagles’ first of three 50-over matches against Cricket South Africa’s Women’s Emerging Academy, Yasmeen lit up the match with a brilliant 145 not out off 134 balls – a fearless, commanding knock that rewrote the record books.

Namibia were sent in to bat first. Yasmeen entered the crease in the second over when Kayleen Green was bowled for 0, joining skipper Suné Wittmann as the duo built a rock-solid 172-run partnership.

Both players brought up their half-centuries in style, with Wittmann contributing a gritty 68 (95 balls; 3x4, 5x6) before being dismissed.

Yasmeen, however, was just getting started. She peppered the boundary ropes with elegance and aggression, striking 15 fours and five sixes. In over 9 alone, she showcased her intent with 14 runs, including two crisp boundaries and a massive six.

Namibia’s total of 274/5 was followed by bowling out the SA team for 174 in 40.5 overs, for a memorable win by 100 runs. Wilka Mwatile (2/33 in 10 overs), Mekelaye Mwatile (3/28 in 4.5 overs) and Sylvia Shihepo (2/35 in 7) were among the wicket-takers.

Yasmeen Khan now stands alone as the first Namibian women’s batter to score a century in a 50-over match. Her unbeaten 145 marks the highest individual score ever recorded by a Namibian woman in this format.

It was a masterclass that has been in the making with solid batting performances throughout recent tournaments. Unsurprisingly, she was named player of the match – for the third match in a row, after also helping the Eagles win the previous two T20 clashes to square this part of the series at 2-2.

From her timing, to her temperament, everything about Yasmeen’s innings was clinical, classy, and fearless. Her teammates and the crowd recognized the magnitude of the achievement with a well-deserved standing ovation as she brought up her century – a truly special moment for her and for Namibian cricket.

This long-awaited milestone also served as a timely reminder of what a star player the 26-year-old is.

The remaining tour fixtures at the HP Oval are today at 10:00; and Saturday 12 July at 10:00.