T20 World Cup 2022 Qualifier: Namibia cause huge upset, beat Sri Lanka by 55 runs

Namibia has beaten former champions Sri Lanka in a huge upset on opening day of qualifying tournament for Twenty20 World Cup.

African nation h a 55-run win over Sri Lanka after 2014 champions won toss and elected to field.

After Jan Frylinck and J.J. Smit’s seventh-wicket heroics batted m back into match, Namibia defended its 163-7 with great bowling and fielding to dismiss Sri Lanka for 108 runs from 19 overs.

It puts Namibia in box seat to progress through qualifiers and reach Super 12 st of tournament, while Sri Lanka must w beat UAE and Nerlands in its group. Those teams played each or later Sunday.

Sri Lanka sustained a blow in morning of game as promising left-arm quick Dilshan Mushanka was ruled out of competition with a torn qu muscle. He has been replaced by fellow left-arm quick Binura Fernando, who will fly out of Colombo on Sunday night.

Victoria state has largest Sri Lankan population outside country and y turned up in numbers to support team bringing along with m a papare band – a three-piece group — and popular local songs were played.

Sri Lanka w needs to win remaining two games and hope b wear doesn’t wash out any of ir encounters. Four teams from two qualifying groups this week will qualify for main tournament.