Match 4, Abu Dhabi, October 18, 2021, 07:30 PM
96/10(19.3ov)
100/3(13.3ov)
Sri Lanka beat Namibia by 7 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Maheesh Theekshana
Commentry
Right then! That is it from this match but the action in the T20 World Cup continues as we have two matches lined up in Group B for Tuesday 19th October 2021, Scotland will face Papua New Guinea at 2 pm Local (10 am GMT) and then Oman will face Bangladesh at 6 pm Local (2 pm GMT). Make sure you join us for that. Till then, take care and goodbye!
Dasun Shanaka, the winning skipper, says they planned a lot and they want to get through this stage. Talking about, Ruben Trumpelmann, he says that he has been outstanding for the past few months. Adds that earlier they had pacers but they did not execute well and now they can see good things for them. Says that winning all three games will give them a big boost as they know the conditions well.
Gerhard Erasmus, the losing skipper, says that they will look at the positives from this game and two very important games are coming up and if they carry on putting in the effort, they can win them. Mentions that Sri Lanka have a quality bowling attack and the batters have to come to the party in the next match. About Ruben Trumpelmann, he says that yes he is a quality bowler and believes he can continue to perform well. Also adds that this is a very big stage to put their brand of cricket out there and they will look to seize the opportunity.
Maheesh Theekshana, is the Man of the Match, he says that he is really happy to represent the country. Mentions that this is a huge moment for him. Tells that his plan is to take one game at a time. Informs that he was the man of the match last time as well and says it feels good to get the award again.
... TIME FOR THE PRESENTATION ...
Earlier in the day, a collective bowling performance saw Sri Lanka restrict Namibia to a timid score of 96. There were some early hiccups in the dugout of Sri Lanka but Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa showed good spirit and navigated their team to victory.
Namibia started brilliantly as they scalped 3 wickets inside the Powerplay. Wickets were a must in a low-chasing game and they did very well early on but eventually, failed to capitalize on it. They restricted Sri Lanka from scoring freely but also deteriorated in taking wickets. Still, they showed a good fight till the end but came second best in the contest. Gerhard Erasmus used 8 bowlers and tried his best to find a wicket but failed to do so.
The saying 'All is well that ends well' did really apply during the Lankan innings as they were 26 for 3 at one stage. None of their top order gave them a good start and they did look nervy at one stage but all thanks to Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who stitched a partnership of 74 and helped their team to cross the finish line.
Earlier Sri Lanka looked in a spot of bother but ultimately they chased it down pretty comfortably. Sri Lanka have started the qualifications round on a winning note and also gained a heavy net run rate success with it.
In over# 14
6
2
1
Jan Frylinck 17/0(1.3)
13.3
6
SIX! Bhanuka Rajapaksa finishes things off in style! A length ball, on the hips and Rajapaksa just picks it up and clears the fielder at the backward square leg fence for a maximum. SRI LANKA WIN BY 7 WICKETS!
13.2
2
Slower one, banged in around off stump. Bhanuka Rajapaksa pulls it behind square on the leg side. The fielder from deep mid-wicket gives chase and cuts it off. They get an easy two.
13.1
1
Fullish ball, outside off and driven nicely through cover for a single.
Jan Frylinck comes back on.
In over# 13
1
1
1
1
1
6
Ruben Trumpelmann 27/1(3)
12.6
1
Slower and fuller, outside off. Avishka Fernando carves it towards deep point for one. Just 6 needed now.
12.5
1
Length ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa smashes it to deep mid-wicket only for a single.
12.4
1
Short again, on middle. Avishka Fernando pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
12.3
1
Short of a length, outside off. Pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.