(Image: T10 Global)
Namibia’s growth in cricket in recent years has been phenomenal. After 2021 and 2022, they have yet again qualified for the T20 World Cup to be played in 2024. Veteran all-rounder, David Wiese, has been a part of these campaigns. Despite being 38, the former South Africa international is enjoying the game and playing strongly in the shorter formats across the globe.
Weise is representing Deccan Gladiators in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 League. After his team’s thrashing victory over Northern Warriors, he had an exclusive chat with RevSportz and opened up on Namibia’s qualification, his fitness regime, the importance of this league for associate nations, and whether he will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup or not.
The following are excerpts:
Q: Congratulations on Namibia’s qualification for the T20 World Cup, with a flawless record of six wins out of six. What are your thoughts on this achievement, and how significant is it for Namibia’s cricket?
Wiese: It is always a big achievement to qualify for a World Cup. You do not want to take it for granted. We came in there as one of the favourites to qualify and we got the job done. We saw what happened with Zimbabwe and that is why you do not know what will happen in a good game on that day. So, it is a great achievement for Namibia as a country.
As a team, we have shown this for the past couple of years. Players are getting opportunities in ILT20, and Canada T20 and it is so good to see. So, for Namibian cricket, where players and facilities are so limited, we have been great for the past couple of years in T20 cricket. Going for the World Cup, hopefully, we can manage one or two upsets.
Q: Your T10 league team is going strong, they are the defending champions as well. You were the player of the match in last year’s final. How much do you enjoy being part of this team and the dressing room culture?
Wiese: At Deccan Gladiator for the last two-three years, we have a lot of the same people there. Same players, and the same coaching staff, and it is a team that is quite settled. We enjoy each other’s company, our coach just lets us go into the game and enjoy the game. That is important in T10 as it could be a hit or miss. As long you are out there, enjoying it, this is a format which can be a huge success.
Q: How does playing in the T10 format contribute to your growth as an all-rounder? How does it impact your batting and bowling skills?
Wiese: Batting-wise, it is a bit of a tough one because you cannot go straight from ball one. So, it teaches you how to hit sixes I suppose. But, in terms of the bowling aspect, you have to upscale as a bowler. You need to be on song for each ball and that also helps guys upscale for the longer format.
Q: How do you rate Nicholas Pooran’s leadership?
Wiese: Obviously, he captained the West Indies. For the last two years, he has been captaining us. He knows his players and their strengths. He also analyses opposition well and always has a plan for each player. He knows which bowlers to ask to bowl against which batters and backs his players. And that is all you want as a bowler from your captain.
Q: How do you perceive the growth of T10 and T20 formats in recent years? Given that associate nations like Namibia don’t play Tests, how important are these shorter formats in terms of player development and finances for the players?
Wiese: It is fantastic. It is something that can be used in associate leagues. Associate nations have a lot of talented players. They just have not got enough opportunities to show their skills. Tournaments like this are a great platform for emerging players to grow and make T10 a way to get into the associate, emerging market. Ultimately, you want cricket to be a global sport and for that, you need to look at the associate nations.
Q: After the T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022, we’ll see you in the 2024 edition. However, Namibia’s only ODI World Cup appearance was in 2003. With the 2027 ODI World Cup to be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, how excited are you about the prospect? Can we expect to see you in action in 2027?
Wiese: Haha. I don’t know about the 2027 ODI World Cup. But, there is a thought at the back of my mind about the 2026 T20 World Cup. We will see how it goes. As long as I am still contributing towards the team, enjoying the sport, and going to the training with the mindset of becoming better, I will keep going as long as I want it to be.