Namibia will make their Men’s T20 World Cup debut on 18 October when they take on Sri Lanka in Match 4 of the 2021 edition of the tournament at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Namibia last featured in a Senior World Cup 18 years ago, where they failed to register a solitary win after six attempts. They even lost to Netherlands.
Namibia boast a formidable batting unit, featuring captain Gerhard Erasmus, J.J. Smit, David Wiese, Craig Williams, and Stephen Baard. Among bowlers, Jan Frylinck will lead the pace attack, while Bernard Scholtz will be the main spinner.
With Group A comprising Ireland and the Netherlands along with Sri Lanka, every fixture is a must-win contest for Namibia (and the other teams) to qualify for the Super 12. Smit and Wiese, who can be handy with both bat and ball, will be in focus.
Sri Lanka are the only team to have played three T20 World Cup finals, but they have also suffered the most T20I defeats since the conclusion of the 2016 World Cup. The 12-month suspensions of three experienced campaigners – Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka – for breaching the biosecure bubble in England earlier this year have made their task even more difficult.
In their absence, Sri Lanka have found new heroes in Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Avishka Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, and ambidextrous spinner Kamindu Mendis. Among veterans, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera will be ready to make an impact.
Sri Lanka are well favourites to top their Group. Maheesh Theekshana, who picked up a wicket off his first ball in his international career, will have a crucial role to play.
Likely XIs
Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green (wk), Stephan Baard, Craig Williams, David Wiese, J.J. Smit, Jan Frylinck, Ben Shikongo, Pikky Ya France, Bernard Scholtz, Michael van Lingen.
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananjaya.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back on Sri Lanka for this tie. Appoint Hasaranga as captain in your fantasy XI. He ranks second among the T20I bowlers, after Tabraiz Shamsi.
- Avishka, Erasmus, and Asalanka are the must-have batters in your line-up.
- Among all-rounders, include both Wiese and Smit. Do not ignore Karunaratne as well.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Gerhard Erasmus, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, David Wiese, JJ Smit (vc), Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Jan Frylinck, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana.