Gerhard Erasmus, Namibia
Class and power personified. No player from an Associate nation scored more runs than Gerhard Erasmus’ 268 in the 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifying tournament, achieved at a fine average of 38.28 and strike rate of 137.43. This included three half-centuries.
Also, only teammate JJ Smit hit more sixes (14) than Erasmus’ 11 in that tournament, which bodes well for Namibia in a group stage where runs will be at a premium. Along with the likes of Stephen Baard and Craig Williams, Namibia have put together a decent group of batsmen capable of clearing the rope.
If Erasmus, who has the most runs of any Namibia player in T20I history (484 at a superb average of 40.33 and strike rate of 141.10), can lead the way, then watch out for the Namibians in what promises to be a competitive group involving Sri Lanka, Ireland and The Netherlands.