Namibia ensured the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup got off to a cracking start as they scripted one of the biggest upsets in the history of the game by thrashing Asian Champions Sri Lanka by 55 runs at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong.
This result has upset the cart at the marquee event as Sri Lanka’s chances of qualification to the Super 12 stage which many had assumed to be a formality has taken a major blow. The Dasun Shanuka-led side will have to win both their games and ensure they maintain a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) to qualify for the second round of the competition.
Namibia’s historic win was hailed by the cricket fraternity across the globe as many past and current players of the game took to social media to praise Gerhard Erasmus & co. for their incredible effort. One of them was Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar whose witty tweet appreciating Namibia’s effort became the talk of the internet.
“Namibia has told the cricketing world today… “Nam” yaad rakhna!,” wrote Tendulkar in a tweet that went viral across social media. Namibia skipper Erasmus replied to the post by saying ‘Nam yaad rakhna.’
Sri Lanka to join India’s group?
This result could end up making India’s group tougher as the second -placed team from group A will join group 2 in the Super 12 stage alongside the first-placed team in Group A which many have predicted to be West Indies. Currently Pakistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh are in India’s group.
Namibia will next face Netherlands while Sri Lanka will take on UAE on Tuesday (18th October) at the same venue. The third match of Group A will take place on Thursday (20th October) in which Namibia will face UAE while Sri Lanka will take on Netherlands. With today’s result, the group is set to have a tense ending for all four teams.
