Ian van Zyl

Career-best figures of 8 for 34 against Ireland in Dublin during an Intercontinental Cup match really served to make a name for Ian Van Zyl among Namibian cricket watchers, but he has struggled to reach such heights since.

He began his career as a medium-fast bowler, but a fully fledged No. 11. Over time his batting has improved enough for Namibia to occasionally use him as a pinch-hitter in short formats of the game, although he remains more likely to be seen swinging at the end of an innings.

He bowls with good control and remains part of the Namibian squad for the Intercontinental Cup in 2007, but he will need more performances like he had in May 2006 if he is to keep some of the younger Namibian bowlers out of the side.

Alan Curr October 2007