T20 World Cup: Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mahesh Thekshana star in Sri Lanka’s 7-wicket win over Namibia

Sri Lanka began their T20 World Cup campaign on Monday with a 7-wicket win over Namibia in a low-scoring Round 1 game in Group A. The bowlers set up victory for the 2014 champions as Sri Lanka bowled out Namibia for 96 in 19.3 overs and chased down the score in 13.3 overs.

The Namibian players, despite the loss, accounted for themselves well as they refused to fear a seasoned team that was once a force in world cricket. The Namibian team created some waves in the powerplay overs by dismissing Pathum Nisanka (5), Kusal Pera (11) and the explosive Dinesh Chandimal (5).

However, Avishka Fernando (30) and the talented Bhanuka Rajapakse (42) carried on with their confident innings to propel the 2014 champions. While Fernando relied more on placement and timing, Rajapaksa was striking at full force, as both paid off for any hope the Namibian would have entertained after the initial attacks.

Sri Lanka vs Namibia, T20 World Cup: Highlight

Rajapaksa finished the match with a six from fast bowler John Frylink as Sri Lanka joined Ireland on two points after the first day of matches in Group A. For Namibia, spinner Bernard Scholtz (1/16), who bowled a tight line, Ruben Trumpelmann (1/27) and JJ Smit (1/7) took wickets.

The Sri Lankan opener could not go through with the aggressive Perera’s attempt to clear the in-field as Smit took a fine catch to give Trumpman a wicket. Nissenka fell lbw at the hands of left-arm spinner Scholtz and Dinesh Chandimal’s poor innings was ended by Smit, giving him an edge at the keeper.

Earlier, spinners Mahesh Thekshana (3/25) and Vanindu Hasaranga (2/24), one of the world’s top spinners, proved to be too hot for the Namibian batsmen, who sought to find a way out of the Lankan attack. struggled.

Sri Lanka’s target was chased by young Bhanuka Rajapakse (42 not out) and Avishka Fernando (30 not out) as they chased down the target in 13.3 overs. Sri Lankan players wore black armbands during the match as a tribute to former captain Bandula Vernapura, who passed away earlier in the day. (with PTI inputs)