Bernard Scholtz was born on 3 October 1990 in Keetmanshoop, a small but lively town in Namibia. He grew up in a sports‑loving family that valued discipline, hard work, and togetherness. His older brother, Nicolaas Scholtz, was already making a name for himself in Namibian cricket, and young Bernard looked up to him as both a role model and a guide.
From an early age, Bernard enjoyed outdoor games, but cricket quickly became his passion. He spent hours bowling on makeshift pitches, practicing spin, and learning how to control flight and pace. His parents encouraged his cricket dreams, making sure he had the support he needed to compete in youth tournaments.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bernard Martinus Scholtz |
| Date of Birth | 3 October 1990 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 34 years |
| Birthplace | Keetmanshoop, Namibia |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox spin |
| Role | Bowler |
| ODI Debut | 27 April 2019 vs Oman |
| T20I Debut | 20 May 2019 vs Ghana |
| Major Teams | Namibia, Eagles, Wanderers Cricket Club |
| Best Bowling (ODI) | 5/22 |
| Best Bowling (T20I) | 4/12 |
| Family in Cricket | Brother – Nicolaas Scholtz (former Namibian cricketer) |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Notable Award | Namibia’s Cricketer of the Year (2016) |
Physical Profile
Bernard stands at about 5 feet 9 inches and has a strong yet lean build. His bowling relies more on skill and accuracy than on physical power. His left‑arm orthodox spin is his main weapon, and his calm body language on the field often hides the sharp strategy running through his mind.
Cricket Journey
Early Steps in Cricket
Bernard’s cricket journey took a serious turn when he was selected for Namibia’s Under‑19 squad. He played in the 2008 Under‑19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia, where he impressed with both his economical bowling and his composure under pressure. This performance marked him as a player to watch for the future.
First-Class & Domestic Career
He made his first‑class debut in 2008, and over the years, he became one of Namibia’s most dependable bowlers in the longer format. In first‑class cricket, Bernard has taken well over 200 wickets, including multiple five‑wicket hauls. His best figures, 8 for 33, showed his ability to dismantle batting lineups in helpful conditions.
In domestic competitions, he has been a star for the Eagles and Wanderers Cricket Club. His performances have played a big role in winning trophies for his teams.
International Debut & Rise
Bernard made his ODI debut for Namibia on 27 April 2019 against Oman. A few weeks later, on 20 May 2019, he debuted in T20Is against Ghana. Since then, he has been a regular in both formats, often opening the bowling in T20Is to put early pressure on the opposition.
Career Highlights & Records
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches: 61
- Wickets: 92
- Best Bowling: 5/22
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 2
- Bowling Average: Under 20
- Economy Rate: Around 3.4 – one of the best in world cricket for ODIs
T20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Matches: 68
- Wickets: 71
- Best Bowling: 4/12
- Economy Rate: Under 6 runs per over
- Known for delivering tight spells in powerplays and at the death
First-Class Cricket
- Matches: Over 100
- Wickets: 235+
- Best Figures: 8/33 in an innings
- Ten-Wicket Match Hauls: 2
Memorable Performances
- In a T20 World Cup Qualifier, Bernard destroyed Papua New Guinea’s batting lineup with figures of 4 for 11, winning the Player of the Match award.
- Against Kenya in the ICC World Cricket League Division Two, he took 4 for 15, helping Namibia win a must‑win match and secure promotion.
- His consistent bowling in the 2023–24 seasons kept Namibia competitive against higher‑ranked teams.
Awards & Recognition
- Namibia’s Cricketer of the Year (2016) – for outstanding performances across formats.
- Eagles T20 Player of the Year (2023) – recognizing his impact in Namibia’s domestic T20 tournament.
- Honored by Wanderers Cricket Club for his match‑winning spells and contribution to team success.
Controversies & Challenges
Bernard has largely kept himself away from major controversies. However, he has faced challenges related to workload and scheduling. In early 2025, he was rested from a tour of India due to fatigue after a busy season, sparking debate among fans who wanted him to play every match.
Balancing ODI and T20I formats has also been demanding, but Bernard has managed it with professionalism and discipline.
Personal Life
Bernard keeps his personal life private. He has never publicly confirmed details about a girlfriend or marriage. What is clear is his close bond with his family, especially his brother Nicolaas, who has been both a mentor and a teammate at different points in his career.
Off the field, Bernard enjoys simple pleasures – spending time with friends, mentoring young cricketers, and relaxing with his family. He is respected in the cricketing community for his humility and sportsmanship.
Legacy & Future Goals
At 34, Bernard Scholtz is still going strong. He remains Namibia’s top spin option in both ODIs and T20Is and is one of the most economical bowlers in the world. His career is a source of inspiration for young Namibian players, proving that dedication and skill can bring success even from a small cricketing nation.
Looking ahead, Bernard aims to help Namibia qualify for more ICC tournaments and to keep his bowling average among the best in the world. His experience and calm leadership make him a natural mentor for the next generation of Namibian cricketers.
