The Netherlands, who won the global qualifying tournament in 2019, were red-hot favourites to win after posting a formidable 164 for four.

Victory for Namibia looked even more unlikely when they slipped to 52-3 in the ninth over.

But Wiese, a veteran of the T20 franchise circuit, had other ideas, blasting five sixes and four fours in a 40-ball knock to take them home by six wickets with an over to spare.

He was given excellent help by captain Gerhard Erasmus, who made a 22-ball 32.

JJ Smit hit the winning runs with an outside edge through third man, sparking wild celebrations from the Namibia bench, led by coach Albie Morkel.

"It means a lot to me," said the 36-year-old Wiese.

"A World Cup on the international stage is special and to put in a big performance for Namibia, I'm glad to get this opportunity to play international cricket."

Namibia, whose only previous World Cup appearance saw them lose all their matches in the one-day showpiece in 1983, could secure matches against cricket's biggest nations with victory over Ireland.

The Super 12 stage, when the eight automatic qualifiers join the tournament, gets underway on Saturday when Australia face South Africa.