The FNB Namibia Eagles are struggling in fifth position on the Cricket World Cup Division 2 log after suffering a seven-wicket defeat to Scotland on Sunday.
With Namibia only picking up one win in their Tri-Nations series against Oman, they are now well off the pace of the top four.
The United States lead the log on 36 points from 24 matches while Scotland are now just two points behind in second place, having played four more matches.
They are followed by Oman on 29 points and the Netherlands on 28, while Namibia trail six points behind in fifth place on 22 points from 28 matches.
Canada (21 points), Nepal (12) and UAE (10) make up the rear.
With the top four nations progressing to the final qualifier for next year’s World Cup that Namibia will host along with South Africa and Zimbabwe, the pressure is now building on the Eagles to qualify for the World Cup.
Brendon McMullen was Scotland’s hero on Sunday, starring with both bat and ball, taking three wickets and scoring a great century as Scotland completed a comfortable victory.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Namibia were all out for a fair total of 198.
The top order couldn’t get going with WP Myburgh dismissed for one, Malan Kruger for 16, January Frylinck (22) and Gerhard Erasmus (2), and when Zane Green was dismissed for 12, Namibia were struggling at 89 for five wickets down.
Louren Steenkamp and JJ Smit however led a rearguard action, putting 88 runs for the sixth wicket before Smit was dismissed by McMullen, going for a big hit, for 43.
Steenkamp was dismissed for a top score of 67 while Ruben Trumpelman added 10 before Namibia were all out for 198.
McMullen led the way for Scotland with three wickets for 47 runs, while Jack Jarvis took 2/29, Mark Watt 2/21 and Oliver Davidson 2/28.
In reply, Ruben Trumpelmann trapped both George Munsey (0) and Finlay McGreath (2) lbw early on, but McMullen and captain Richie Berrington led Scotland’s recovery with a 112-run partnership, before Berrington was dismissed by Myburgh for 43.
McMullen went on to reach his century, retiring due to cramps on 100, while Mark Watt scored 27 not out and Matthew Cross 14 not out as Scotland comfortably reached the target with 12 overs to spare.
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