Craig George Williams is a legendary cricket player hailing from Namibia. With an illustrious career that spanned over a decade, Williams etched his name into the annals of Namibian cricket history with his phenomenal all-round skills and impressive records.
Born in Oshakati, a town near the border with Angola, in the years prior to Namibia’s independence from South Africa, Williams discovered his love for cricket at an early age. He pursued his education in Pretoria, where his talent blossomed alongside the likes of Roelof van der Merwe. Williams made his national debut for Namibia in the CSA provincial three-day competition in October 2007, leaving an immediate mark with half-centuries in both innings.
Throughout his career, Williams became known for his stabilizing presence in the team. Often batting at No. 4, he showcased adaptability and versatility by excelling in various batting positions, ranging from opener to No. 7. A true rarity in the Associate cricket world, Williams achieved the prestigious feat of scoring centuries at every position he occupied, a testament to his exceptional skill.
Not only did Williams excel with the bat, but he also showcased his proficiency with his brisk and canny medium pace bowling. He seamlessly transitioned from the new ball to first or second change, constantly providing solutions to the team’s bowling needs. As one of only four players to have taken over 100 wickets in both first-class and List A cricket for Namibia, Williams proved himself to be a supremely talented all-rounder.
In 2018, Williams briefly retired following Namibia’s inability to advance from World Cricket League Division Two on home soil. However, he had a change of heart and made a much-celebrated comeback to play a vital role in the same tournament the following year. Namibia emerged victorious and secured ODI status, thanks in no small part to Williams’ immense contributions. He also played a pivotal role in helping the team qualify for their first T20 World Cup, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage with a splendid 40-run innings against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
In 2022, Williams decided to hang up his boots, concluding his cricketing journey on a high note. Prior to bidding farewell, he achieved yet another remarkable feat by claiming two Player-of-the-Match awards in Namibia’s historic 3-2 series win over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, marking their inaugural bilateral T20I series victory against a Full Member nation. Williams’ impact on Namibian cricket was immeasurable, and his contributions will forever be cherished by the cricketing fraternity.
Craig George Williams leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in Namibian cricket. His records as the all-time leading run-scorer in first-class, List A, and T20 cricket, as well as his accolade for the most catches by an outfielder in first-class and List A cricket, are a testament to his unwavering dedication and immense talent. His name will always be spoken with reverence and admiration in the cricketing circles of Namibia.
