New Zealand will look to bolster their chase for the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a win against minnows Namibia in the Super 12 clash in Sharjah on Friday. 

New Zealand are favourites for the second spot up for grabs in Super 12 Group 2 after beating India and Scotland in their last two outings. The Kiwis are third in the Group 2 points table, behind leaders Pakistan and Afghanistan, having played a game fewer than both teams. 

A win against Namibia could see them leapfrog Afghanistan into second on Friday, given they can also better the Asian side on net run rate. They will be guaranteed a spot in the last four if they beat Mohammad Nabi’s side in a crucial match on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, debutants Namibia beat Scotland in their Super 12 opener but followed it up with crushing defeats against Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

Despite a fine performance against India, New Zealand bowling has been patchy, an area which they would like to improve upon.

“We were patchy with the ball but we need to move on. Credit to Scotland for the way they played and hit the ball out of the park. We were tested and we need to learn from this,” skipper Williamson had said.

The likes of left-arm speedster Trent Boult, experienced Tim Southee and Adam Milne will be eyeing a much-better show against Namibia after an ordinary outing against Scotland, while the spin duo of Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner would look to continue their good form.

The biggest positive for the Kiwis is the return to form of flamboyant opener Martin Guptill, who blazed his way to 93 off just 56 balls against Scotland.