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Namibian cricketer dies after suffering stroke

Last updated on: November 21, 2015 14:25 IST

Namibia's Raymond van Schoor celebrates his 50 against Kenya during the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup qualifier at Wits University in Johannesburg on April 15, 2009

IMAGE: Namibia's Raymond van Schoor celebrates his 50 against Kenya during the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup qualifier at Wits University in Johannesburg on April 15, 2009. Photograph: Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images

Namibian cricketer Raymond Van Schoor died late Friday, five days after he suffered a stroke during a domestic match on Sunday.

He was 25.

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Playing for Namibia against Free State, in a Pool B match of the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge, Van Schoor collapsed at Wanderers Cricket Ground in Windhoek, Namibia.

The right-hand batsman retired hurt after making 15 runs off 16 balls, while chasing a target of 241 and was immediately hospitalised.

A veteran of over 200 games, Van Schoor, rushed to a hospital where scans revealed that he had suffered a stroke. He was later transferred to the ICU on Wednesday but died late Friday.

According to reports, Van Schoor’s teammate Nicolaas Scholtz stated that he asked for water after complaining of dizziness in sweltering conditions.

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

The President of Cricket Namibia, Richard Frankle issued statement following the demise of Van Schoor:

"It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce the passing of Raymond van Schoor at 19h17 Namibian time on Friday the 20th November 2015. On behalf of Cricket Namibia, I express my most sincere condolences to the entire Van Schoor and La Cock families. 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!"

In 92 first-class matches, Van Schoor scored over 4000 runs with five centuries and 20 half-centuries.

The Namibian’s demise comes a week before the one-year death anniversary of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes.

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