T20 World Cup 2021: Day 6 Review – Namibia progress to Super 12, Sri Lanka hammer Netherlands
Round 1 of the T20 World Cup culminated today as four teams qualified for the Super 12 stage of the tournament. Ireland and Namibia locked horns in the first game of the day while the day ended with the dead rubber game between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.
Here’s what transpired on the day:
Namibia create history and qualify for Super 12
It was a virtual knockout game between Ireland and Namibia in the afternoon at Sharjah. Ireland won the toss and opted to bat on a slow surface. They got off to a brilliant start adding 62 runs for the opening wicket with Paul Stirling smashing 38 off just 24 balls. Scholtz broke the partnership and that brought the run-scoring to a screeching halt.
Namibia bowlers made a stunning comeback thanks to some brilliant bowling from Jan Frylinck and David Wiese. Barring the top three, none of the Ireland batters crossed the 10-run mark as they were restricted to just 125/8 in their 20 overs.
History ✅
Namibia are through to the Super 12 ✨#T20WorldCup | #NAMvIRE | https://t.co/xv8AGpwHXi pic.twitter.com/p46oBP3Acj
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 22, 2021
In response, Namibia openers added 25 runs in 5.1 overs before Craig Williams was dismissed by Curtis Campher. The run-rate stayed low in the middle-overs as well with skipper Gerhard Erasmus and Zane Green making sure they didn’t lose wickets. The duo added 48 runs for the second wicket before Campher struck again.
With 53 needed off 40 deliveries, Ireland hoped for a comeback but the in-form David Wiese spoiled their day with another blitzkrieg. He smashed an unbeaten 28 off 14 balls while Erasmus played a captain’s knock scoring 53 runs as Namibia cantered to victory in the 19th over and created history.
Sri Lanka blow away the Netherlands
It was a dead-rubber between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands to end Round 1 of the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka had already qualified for the World Cup while the Netherlands were knocked out and the latter were blown away. After opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka never let the Netherlands batters settle in the middle.
An exceptional bowling performance from Sri Lanka as they bowl out Netherlands for 44 💥#T20WorldCup | #SLvNED | https://t.co/7Lw2gWdL8T pic.twitter.com/wJgnIvj2qN
— ICC (@ICC) October 22, 2021
Hasaranga (3/9), Kumara (3/7), Theekshana (2/3) breathed fire with the ball to leave the opposition. Netherlands were bundled out for just 44, the second-lowest in T20 World Cup, in just 10 overs. The chase was never going to be an issue for Sri Lanka as Kusal Perera smashed 33 runs off 24 balls and even though they lost two wickets, they were never in trouble and sealed the game in just 7.1 overs.
