Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton

Biography

Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, born on March 15, 2001, in Windhoek, Namibia, is a dynamic left-handed batter and right-arm leg-break bowler who has rapidly ascended the ranks of international cricket. Known for his aggressive batting style and versatile bowling, Loftie-Eaton has become a cornerstone of the Namibian national team.

Early Career and Domestic Rise

Loftie-Eaton's cricketing journey began at a young age, representing Namibia in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He made his first-class debut on February 8, 2018, in the Sunfoil 3-Day Cup, followed by his List A debut on February 11, 2018, in the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge. His early performances showcased his potential, earning him a spot in Namibia's squad for the 2018 Africa T20 Cup.

International Breakthrough

Loftie-Eaton made his T20 International debut on April 3, 2021, against Uganda, and his One Day International debut on November 27, 2021, against Oman. Since then, he has been a consistent performer for Namibia across formats.

Record-Breaking Feat

On February 27, 2024, Loftie-Eaton etched his name in cricketing history by scoring the fastest century in T20 Internationals, reaching the milestone in just 33 balls against Nepal. His explosive innings included 11 fours and 8 sixes, propelling Namibia to a formidable total. ​

Career Statistics (as of February 2025)

ODIs: 48 matches, 1,078 runs at an average of 28.36, including 7 fifties; 26 wickets with a best of 4/34. ​

T20Is: 42 matches, 515 runs at an average of 20.60, including 1 century and 1 fifty; 13 wickets with a best of 3/20.

List A: 53 matches, 1,233 runs at an average of 28.67; 26 wickets. ​

T20s: 54 matches, 708 runs at an average of 21.45; 17 wickets. ​

Recognition and Impact

Loftie-Eaton's remarkable performances have not gone unnoticed. He was nominated for the ESPNcricinfo Awards 2024 in the Associate Men's Batting category, highlighting his significance in associate cricket.