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Namibian cricketer dies after stroke

Raymond Van Schoor, who played for his country more than 200 times, passes away after collapsing during a match

Namibia international Raymond Van Schoor has died at the age of 25, five days after he collapsed during a match in the capital Windhoek.

Van Schoor, who first played for Namibia as a teenager and has played more than 200 matches for his country, collapsed during a South African domestic game against Free State on Sunday and was rushed to hospital. Scans later revealed that he had suffered a stroke and he was transferred to the ICU on Wednesday in a serious condition.

On Friday, Cricket Namibia confirmed that the 25-year-old had passed away.

"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," said Cricket Namibia president Richard Frankle.

"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!"

A wicketkeeper-batsman who could also bowl medium-pace, Van Schoor played in Namibia's ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier campaign earlier this year and also took part in their recent Intercontinental Cup match against Ireland.

He played 92 first-class matches in his career - scoring five centuries - and he also took 28 wickets.

He scored more than 4000 runs over 173 matches in 50-over and 20-over cricket, with 25 half-centuries.

His brother Danie van Schoor has also represented Namibia in cricket as did his father Melt, who played five matches in the 2003 Cricket 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 the 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," said teammate Nicolaas Scholtz. "I caught him in my arms."