![Gerhard Erasmus and Usman Tariq in frame [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770910243897_GerhardErasmusandUsmanTariqinframe.jpg?type=hq)
Gerhard Erasmus and Usman Tariq in frame [Source: X]
Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus has come under the spotlight after the India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 clash, but for all the wrong reasons. The all-rounder who bowls right-arm off-break has a peculiar action while delivering, and it has created quite a chaos after he unsettled Indian stars on February 12.
Gerhard Erasmus was called out by netizens to have similar actions like Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, who was also in the new headlines because of his ‘pause and deliver’ stride and chucking-like actions.
Gerhard Erasmus Creates Chaos With 4-fer Against India
Erasmus scalped 4 crucial wickets of Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Tilak Varma to surprise fans and the teams alike. Being an all-rounder, his skillset with the ball was extraordinary. Something that Indian batters failed to read.
Gerhard Erasmus took 4 wickets from his 4 overs while bowling at an economy rate of just 5.00. However, it didn’t stop India from scoring a mammoth 209 that set the tone for the game.
Nevertheless, coming to the action of Erasmus, a Usman Tariq-like resemblance had the internet cackling raising questions on his ‘throwing’ action and use of a suspected bowling action.
Netizens Call Out Erasmus Action; Gives Tariq An Earful
Fans on the internet quickly noted resemblances in their unconventional, jerky delivery strides. Erasmus has a staggered run-up and visible arm-bend at release, giving a "gully cricket" feel. Tariq's action is more controversial though, featuring a pause-and-sling release, high arm speed variations, and elbow flexion that has been reported twice.
However, there is a stark difference in between their stances though. Tariq incorporates a distinct pause, while Erasmus does not pause fully but has a similar "flick" or bend of the arms.
No official suspect action report for Erasmus, it's purely social media trolling linking him to Tariq's ongoing debates. Tariq's action has faced heavier scrutiny, while Erasmus' has occasionally been called quirky but effective for the standard of international cricket.
Let’s take a look at how fans linked Erasmus to Tariq’s bowling action on the internet:
India Manage To Post Mega Total On Board
Erasmus was a pain in India's otherwise smooth batting flow. The Men in Blue still managed to hurt Namibia. Opener Ishan Kishan scored a fiery 24-ball 61, smashing five sixes and six boundaries.
Sanju Samson played a brisk yet fiery knock but failed to convert his start, scoring 22 off just 8 balls. Tilak Varma was not very impressive, while Suryakumar Yadav too had a subpar score, with both failing to resume their duties as a noticeable anchor in the middle order.
Hardik Pandya, on the contrary, played a responsible yet explosive knock of 52 runs from just 28 deliveries before getting dismissed by Erasmus on the second ball of the 19th over.
However, before his dismissal, Pandya had already done enough damage to take India past the 200-run mark. Shivam Dube also chipped in with a 16-ball 23, which ultimately helped India post a total of 209 on the board.
As evident, Gerhard Erasmus was the wrecker-in-chief for Namibia with his four-wicket haul. Besides Erasmus, JJ Smit, Ben Shikongo, and Bernard Scholtz scalped one wicket each, with Max Hengo being the most expensive, conceding 18 runs in just one over.
.jpg?type=mq "Hardik Pandya six")
