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Namibia did the unthinkable on the opening day of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The small associate nation thumped Asia Cup champions, Sri Lanka by 55 runs to stage an unlikely win. Before the game, no one gave Gerhard Erasmus and his men a chance against a young and talented Lanka.Β
An iconic win to mark the beginning of ICC Men's #T20WorldCup 2022 π
Watch the complete highlights β‘ https://t.co/g8WCpiCQdz#SLvNAM pic.twitter.com/8ZLQQhE84h
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2022
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However, Namibia proved all the critics wrong. They displayed composure and grit and reversed the match in their favour. Namibia was down and out in the first 15 overs. However, the seventh-wicket partnership of Smit and Jan Frylinck added 70 runs off 40 balls as Namibia posted a respectable 163/7 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka never got into a chase mode, as they kept losing key wickets, thanks to some tight bowling by the associate nation.Β
A day Namibia won't forget anytime soon π#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/KCdzxUORsb
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2022
It was a complete team effort by the Namibians. David Wiese, JJ Smit, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, and Jan Frylinck bowled in delicate areas, and bagged wickets. Sri Lanka collapsed and was bundled out for 108 runs in 20 overs.
Can Sri Lanka get back on track?
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Despite the loss, all is not over for Sri Lanka.Β Skipper Shanuka and his men started the 2022 Asia Cup on a dismal note. They lost to Afghanistan and the host team was slammed by fans. However, they did not give up and continued to work on their strengths. In the end, the Lanka team clinched the trophy, and it sparked a belief that they can win the T20 World Cup.Β
2 wickets in 2 balls!
We can reveal that this wicket from Ben Shikongo is one of the moments that could be featured in your @0xFanCraze Crictos of the Game packs from Namibia vs Sri Lanka!
Grab your pack for from https://t.co/zFNKfahY1M to own iconic moments from every game. pic.twitter.com/fHPogzpBFY
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2022
Sri Lanka needs to take it as an off day and revive its campaign. They need to win the next two games to qualify for the Super 12. The Island Nation will try hard to achieve it and make the fans proud.
Can Namibia keep shining?
Namibia came into the tournament with fewer hopes, but with quality players. They displayed their passion in the field and have made a rocking start to the tournament. Their next task is to win against the UAE and Netherlands, to enter the Super 12.
44 off 28 with the batπ
2/26 with the ball π₯All-round brilliance from Jan Frylinck πͺ#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/isRm72UiNg
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2022
Last year, they entered the Super 12 and defeated Scotland in one game. Namibia will aim at a consistent show and get the campaign going, with some impressive performance. It will give further impetus to their demand to play more against the top-ranked teams.
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