UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS: Nepal’s hopes of securing a top-four spot for a direct berth in the ICC Cricket World Cup Global Qualifier took a severe blow on Tuesday following an eight-wicket defeat to Namibia in the ICC CWC League 2 Tri-Nation Series at Sportpark Marschalkerweerd.

Chasing a modest target of 158 runs, Namibia cruised to victory in 37.4 overs while losing only two wickets.

Jan Frylinck anchored the chase with an unbeaten 78 off 89 balls, featuring eight boundaries and a six.

He received solid support from Michael van Lingen, who scored a 79-ball 51, and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, who remained unbeaten on 17.

Frylinck forged pivotal partnerships—stitching 87 runs with Van Lingen for the second wicket and an unbroken 52-run stand with Loftie-Eaton to seal the win.

Earlier in the day, after being sent in to bat, Nepal crumbled against a disciplined Namibian bowling attack, getting bundled out for 157 in 46.5 overs.

Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel top-scored for Nepal with 31, while Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 30.

Other minor contributions came from Gulshan Jha (20), Karan KC (18), Aasif Sheikh (16), and Sompal Kami (15).

Namibia’s JJ Smit was the star with the ball, delivering a devastating spell of 6 for 27 in 9.5 overs, while Bernard Scholtz and Jack Brassell picked up two wickets apiece to dismantle Nepal’s batting lineup.

The result leaves Nepal static in fifth place with 24 points from 29 matches, while Namibia climbs to sixth place, also tied on 24 points from 29 matches.