sealed with a six! Short of length once again and this time Rajapaksa pulls it over the deep square leg fielder, who puts in the jump but it just evades him
Namibia vs Sri Lanka, 4th Match, First Round Group A at Abu Dhabi, T20 World Cup, Oct 18 2021 - Match Result
So, two point for Sri Lanka and a pretty healthy net run rate, given they won with 39 balls to spare. That's all from our side for this game. See you soon.
Dasun Shanaka: We were planning quite a lot. We want to get through this qualifying stage. All well went for us. Theekshana has been outstanding. He has been training with Ajantha Mendis back home and has a lot more to offer in the future. Our fast bowlers earlier had the pace but not the execution but going forward you can see a lot of good things. We talked with our master, Mahela, and realised batting top of the order, Avishka didn't have great numbers so we decided to bat him at No. 4. Winning all three games will definitely put us in a good state of mind, adjusting to conditions will help in the main tournament.
Gerhard Erasmus: We have to take the positives. We have to regroup as two very important games are coming up. I think Sri Lanka have a quality bowling attack. With 96 on the board, you have to say batsmen need to come to the party and I back our bowlers to defend. It's a pinnacle for many of the players and for the organisation as well. We can inspire a lot of kids by playing at the world stage.
Maheesh Theekshana is the Player of the Match for his 3 for 25. "I am really happy to represent the country," he says. "It's a huge moment for me as I am just 21. My stock ball is the offbreak. I would like to represent my country in more games but I plan game by game." A man of few words but plenty of tricks.
9.05pm A convincing win for Sri Lanka in the end despite early jolts. Their bowlers set it up by restricting Namibia to a mere 96. Sri Lanka had a wobbly start to their chase - they were 26 for 3 - but Rajapaksa and Avishka added 74 in 8.2 overs in an unbroken stand for the fourth wicket to see them home. Namibia tried eight bowlers but it didn't help much. A bit of thinking to do for them before their next game.
short of length, slower outside off, drags it towards deep square leg
fuller outside off, driven towards deep extra cover
Just six required now. Frylinck to bowl. Around the wicket
fuller and wider outside off, slices it behind point. Wasn't in full control but gets a single to third man
short of length outside off, pulled towards deep midwicket. Shouts of catch it but it lands well short of the incoming fielder
a bouncer from around the wicket. Pulls it towards midwicket for one more
short, outside off, mistimes the pull towards midwicket
Back to over the wicket
short of length angling towards middle and leg. Tucked away towards square leg
Around the wicket
fuller around off, Avishka gets low, almost on one knee and lofts it over mid-off. Just an extension of the arms and it carries all the way
fuller on the stumps, on-pace delivery this time. Lofted over the bowler's head. Not enough power behind it though. They get a couple before long-on picks it up
length ball, an offcutter. Pushes it down the ground for a single
fuller-length ball around off, comes forward and defends it towards covers. Was looking for a single but the fielder was quick to the ball
length ball on the pads, whipped towards deep-backward square leg
a slower bouncer. Rajapaksa ducks under it early. Called a wide for height
short of length outside off, hits the shoulder of the bat and goes towards third man
down the track, converts it into a half-volley but mistimes it towards long-on. All along the ground
Van Buunge: "Someone needs to do a Campher for Namibia..."
Wiese is back for his second over
round arm once again. Pushes it towards covers and sets off for a quick single
tossed up around off, comes forward and punches it towards long-on
fuller around off, drives it towards long-off
length ball angling down the leg side. Misses the flick but that's a wide
1W | ||||
1W | ||||
1W | ||||
1W | ||||
1W | ||||
Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | |
Toss | Sri Lanka, elected to field first |
Series | |
Season | 2021/22 |
Player Of The Match | |
Match number | T20I no. 1313 |
Match days | 18 October 2021 - night (20-over match) |
Umpires | |
TV Umpire | |
Reserve Umpire | |
Match Referee | |
Points | Sri Lanka 2, Namibia 0 |
Over 14 • SL 100/3
Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets (with 39 balls remaining)