Full Name: Michael Loftie van Lingen Date of Birth: October 24, 1997 Birthplace: Windhoek, Namibia Role: Left-Hand Opening Batter | Right-Arm Medium Bowler Michael van Lingen is Namibia’s left-handed opening batter who brings passion, intensity, and resilience to the top of the order. With a calm head on his shoulders and a steely determination in his eyes, van Lingen has become one of the pillars of Namibia’s batting in both ODIs and T20Is. Born and raised in Windhoek, van Lingen’s cricketing dreams began on dusty pitches and school tournaments, where his clean stroke play and solid temperament stood out. Inspired by the rise of Namibian cricket, he steadily worked his way up through the ranks, balancing his ambitions with hard work and discipline. As a left-handed batter, his style is graceful yet aggressive—often preferring to build an innings before launching into power strokes when needed. His big breakthrough came in the build-up to the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, where his performances in domestic and developmental tours earned him a place in the national squad. Since then, he has become a regular face at the top of Namibia’s order. Career Highlights Include: - Scored his maiden ODI century in 2022 against Oman, showcasing both patience and strokeplay - Crucial contributor to Namibia’s Super League 2 campaign in World Cup qualification - Known for building strong opening stands with fellow batters like Divan la Cock and Stephan Baard - Has played in multiple ICC global tournaments, gaining valuable exposure on the world stage - Capable of bowling handy medium pace, adding depth to Namibia’s all-round options Van Lingen’s greatest strength is his mindset. He doesn’t get rattled easily, even under pressure. Whether facing hostile quicks or grinding through difficult conditions, he sticks to his game plan and puts a high price on his wicket. While not a flashy player, he’s the kind of opener every team needs—disciplined, tough, and adaptable. Off the field, Michael is grounded, soft-spoken, and team-oriented. He’s known to be one of the hardest trainers in the squad, always looking to improve his footwork, fitness, and mental toughness. He’s also actively involved in youth cricket clinics across Namibia, helping inspire the next generation. With jersey number 88, Michael van Lingen represents the soul of Namibian cricket—gritty, passionate, and unafraid of the big stage.