T20 World Cup: Namibia wins by 6 wickets & Sri Lanka qualifies for the next round from Group A of Round 1

On October 20, 2021, the 1st Round of the 2021 T20 World Cup had two matches of Group A played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Namibia vs Netherlands was the 7th Match whereas, Sri Lanka vs Ireland was the 8th Match of the 2021 T20 World Cup.

After this, Group A looks like this- Sri Lanka at the top with 4 points and have qualified for the Super 12’s, Ireland is at 2nd and Namibia is at 3rd with two points each. Netherlands being winless, are at the bottom.

7th Match – Namibia vs Netherlands – Namibia wins by 6 Wickets

Namibia won the toss & decided to bowl.

1st Innings – Netherlands puts 164/4 on board

The Dutch opener Max O’Dowd scored yet another half-century. After Netherlands, lost 2 wickets – Max O’Dowd & Colin Ackermann brought up an 82 run Partnership.

Then, Colin Ackermann departed scoring 35 runs off 32 balls. However, O’Dowd was on the crease till the last over, however unfortunately got run out, he scored 70 Runs (off 56 deliveries). Meanwhile, Scott Edwards of Netherlands played an unbeaten quick knock of 21 Runs off 11 Balls.

As a result, Netherlands finished their innings with 164 Runs on board.

2nd Innings – Namibia needs 165 Runs to win

It was the performance of the middle-order batsmen that guided Namibia to a victory. A captain’s knock by Gerhard Erasmus as he scored 32 Runs off 22 balls, to lead his team.

Then, David Wiese scored an unbeaten knock of 66 off 40 balls, with a strike rate of 165 and nine boundaries. With that, another quick unbeaten knock by JJ Smit – 14 (off 8) helped Namibia chase their target & finish at 166/4 (19 overs).

Thus, Namibia won the match by 6 Wickets in this must-win match. The Player of the Match was given to David Wiese – 1/32 (4) & 66* (40).

8th Match of T20 World Cup 2021 – Sri Lanka vs Ireland – Sri Lanka wins by 70 Runs

Ireland won the toss & chose to bowl.

1st Innings – Sri Lanka made 171/7 (20 overs)

It was a disappointing start for Sri Lanka, as they lost 3 wickets in the first two overs. Sri Lanka were stranded at 8/3 (1.4 overs). Ireland had the upper hand at that moment. However, Sri Lanka fought back as Wanindu Hasaranga along with opener Pathum Nissanka added 123 Runs for the 4th Wicket Partnership.

Then the brilliant knock from Hasaranga came to an end, as Mark Adair picked up his wicket. Wanindu Hasaranga ended up scoring 71 runs (off 47) as his innings saw 10 Fours & 1 Six. At this stage, Sri Lanka were 131/4 in 15.2 overs.

Meanwhile, Pathum Nissanka departed scoring 61 Runs (off 47 balls). Then, it was Sri Lanka’s Captain Dasun Shanaka quick knock of 21* off 11 balls that brought up 171 Runs on board.

2nd Innings – Ireland chasing target of 172 Runs

Ireland, in response lost wickets at regular intervals. Even a 53 run stand between Andrew Balbirnie & Curtis Campher couldn’t help Ireland. Both were the top-scoring players for Ireland in this innings – Captain Andrew Balbirnie’s 41 off 39 went in vain as wickets fell on the other end & Curtis Campher scored 24 Runs.

Ireland while chasing had all of their batsmen dismissed at 101. Sri Lankan bowlers showed an amazing display with the ball.

As a result, Sri Lanka won by 70 Runs. Wanindu Hasaranga was adjudged the Player of the Match.