Sri Lanka began the 2021 Men's T20 World Cup with a seven-wicket triumph against Namibia in Match 4 of the competition at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. They skittled out Namibia for 96 in 19.3 overs, and chased the target with 39 balls to spare.
The Namibian batters looked uncomfortable right from the beginning after being asked to bat. Maheesh Theekshana got a wicket on his first ball in World Cup cricket, dismissing Stephan Baard for seven. Zane Green became Theekshana’s second victim inside the Powerplay, as Namibia were left reeling on 29/2 in 5.4 overs.
Gerhard Erasmus and Craig Williams consolidated the innings, adding 39 for the third wicket but both struggled to get going against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling unit, led by Theekshana (3-25). The partnership came to an end when Erasmus (20) holed out Lahiru Kumara in the 13th over.
Wanindu Hasaranga (2-24) trapped Williams (29) leg before in the next over, and Namibia lower order failed to offer any resistance to revive from there. They lost their last eight wickets for 28 runs, as J.J. Smit remaining unbeaten on 12 off 15 balls.
Coming to chase, Sri Lanka got off to a poor start. They lost their top three – Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera and Dinesh Chandimal – inside six overs. But Avishka Fernando (30*) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (42*) held the fort, and ensured no further damage. They stitched an unbroken 74 for the fourth wicket, taking Sri Lanka past the finishing line in 13.3 overs.
Namibia will next play against the Netherlands on 20 October at the same venue, while Sri Lanka will take on Ireland on the same date later in the evening.
Brief scores: Namibia 96 in 19.3 overs (Craig Williams 29; Maheesh Theekshana 3-25) lost to Sri Lanka 100/3 in 13.3 overs (Bhanuka Rajapaksa 42*; J.J. Smit 1-7) by 7 wickets and 39 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Maheesh Theekshana.