Namibian cricketer Raymond van Schoor dies

Windhoek (Namibia), November 21 - Namibian cricketer Raymond van Schoor passed away here after collapsing during a match earlier.

The 25-year-old died after collapsing during a South African domestic game against Free State on Sunday, following which he was rushed to the hospital. Scans revealed that he had suffered a stroke and was transferred to the ICU on Wednesday.

"It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce the passing of Raymond van Schoor. On behalf of Cricket Namibia, I express my most sincere condolences to the entire van Schoor family," Cricket Namibia president Richard Frankle said on Friday.

"Raymond was a tremendous asset to Cricket Namibia and the National Cricket Team. He was taken far too early from us. We however accept that Almighty God needed him to represent the Heavenly Angels! May his soul rest in peace!"

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who first played for Namibia as a teenager, ended up playing 92 first class and 103 List A matches. Van Schoor could also bowl medium-pace and played in Namibia's World Twenty20 Qualifier campaign earlier this year. He also took part in their recent Intercontinental Cup match against Ireland.

He scored 4,303 runs with five centuries, with a highest of 157, and took 28 wickets in first class cricket. His brother Danie has also represented Namibia as did his father Melt, who played five matches in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

On Sunday, van Schoor had been batting during Namibia's five-wicket win over Free State when he collapsed in hot conditions. Having made 15 from 16 deliveries, he asked for water to be brought onto the field, complaining of dizziness and a headache.

"He took a sip or two and the next moment he stumbled over. I caught him in my arms," said teammate Nicolaas Scholtz.

(IANS)