Namibia pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the T20 World Cup 2022 on the opening day of the tournament as they stunned Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Sunday (October 16). Ranked 14th in the ICC T20I team rankings, Namibia produced an excellent all-round performance to outclass mighty Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the first round of Group A.

Namibia rode on a brilliant all-round performance from Jan Frylinck, who played a great cameo of 28-ball 44 down the order before picking up a couple of wickets with the ball to power his team to a comprehensive victory. Asked to bat first, Namibia posted a strong total of 163 runs on the board before their bowlers comfortably defended the total.

Reacting to his team's stunning win against the Asia Cup champions, Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus called it a historic day for Namibian cricket. Namibia had qualified for the T20 World Cup last year, finishing second behind Sri Lanka in a group that also has&nbsp;Ireland and Netherlands. They have since been on the rise and have given a great account of their skills and talent in the shortest format.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/namibia-pull-off-stunning-55-run-win-against-asia-cup-champions-sri-lanka-in-t20-world-cup-2022-525829">Namibia stun Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2022, inflict 55-run defeat</a>

"Incredible journey, last year was a special experience for us. We've started a great win, but lot of work to do throughout this tournament still. It's been a historic day for us. The opening day has been quite special but we want to kick on from here and qualify for the Super 12 stage," said Namibia skipper Erasmus.

However, he insisted the team has a long way to go if they are to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup. With the big win against Sri Lanka, Namibia are well placed to make it to the next round but will be wary of slip-ups in their remaining two games against UAE and Netherlands.

"We understand the bigger picture as well. Credit goes to Pierre (de Bruyn) the way he has installed coaching to this team, one that's a winning culture and one that sticks together. With the limited resources, I don't think there's anyone else that could run such a tight ship," said Erasmus crediting the coaching staff for the team's good show.

Namibia were 93/6 at one stage during their innings with Sri Lankan bowlers looking in control. However, Frylinck (44) combined with JJ Smit, who scored an unbeaten 31 off just 16 balls to propel the Erasmus-led side to a fighting total of 163 runs.

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In reply, the Sri Lankan batting line-up fell like a pack of cards as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Some disciplined bowling from the Namibian pacers kept Sri Lanka on the toes as the Asia Cup champions were skittled out for 108 runs in 19 overs. Sri Lanka have two games remaining against UAE and Netherlands, respectively and can't afford another slip-up in the tournament.

Namibia pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the T20 World Cup 2022 on the opening day of the tournament as they stunned Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Sunday (October 16).

Namibia pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the T20 World Cup 2022 on the opening day of the tournament as they stunned Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Sunday (October 16). Ranked 14th in the ICC T20I team rankings, Namibia produced an excellent all-round performance to outclass mighty Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the first round of Group A. Namibia rode on a brilliant all-round performance from Jan Frylinck, who played a great cameo of 28-ball 44 down the order before picking up a couple of wickets with the ball to power his team to a comprehensive victory. Asked to bat first, Namibia posted a strong total of 163 runs on the board before their bowlers comfortably defended the total. Reacting to his team's stunning win against the Asia Cup champions, Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus called it a historic day for Namibian cricket. Namibia had qualified for the T20 World Cup last year, finishing second behind Sri Lanka in a group that also has Ireland and Netherlands. They have since been on the rise and have given a great account of their skills and talent in the shortest format. Also Read: Namibia stun Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2022, inflict 55-run defeat "Incredible journey, last year was a special experience for us. We've started a great win, but lot of work to do throughout this tournament still. It's been a historic day for us. The opening day has been quite special but we want to kick on from here and qualify for the Super 12 stage," said Namibia skipper Erasmus. However, he insisted the team has a long way to go if they are to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup. With the big win against Sri Lanka, Namibia are well placed to make it to the next round but will be wary of slip-ups in their remaining two games against UAE and Netherlands. "We understand the bigger picture as well. Credit goes to Pierre (de Bruyn) the way he has installed coaching to this team, one that's a winning culture and one that sticks together. With the limited resources, I don't think there's anyone else that could run such a tight ship," said Erasmus crediting the coaching staff for the team's good show. Namibia were 93/6 at one stage during their innings with Sri Lankan bowlers looking in control. However, Frylinck (44) combined with JJ Smit, who scored an unbeaten 31 off just 16 balls to propel the Erasmus-led side to a fighting total of 163 runs. Also Read: WATCH - Dream come true moment for 11-year-old as he bowls to India captain Rohit Sharma in nets In reply, the Sri Lankan batting line-up fell like a pack of cards as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Some disciplined bowling from the Namibian pacers kept Sri Lanka on the toes as the Asia Cup champions were skittled out for 108 runs in 19 overs. Sri Lanka have two games remaining against UAE and Netherlands, respectively and can't afford another slip-up in the tournament.

Historic day for us, says Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus after thrashing Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup

Namibia pulled off a shock win over Sri Lanka in their opening game in the qualifiers as T20 World Cup 2022 got underway in Australia on Sunday (October 16). In one of the upsets of the tournament, 14th-ranked Namibia were a no-match to Sri Lanka, who are the reigning Asia Cup champions and were outright favourites ahead of the clash.

Namibia and Sri Lanka are among eight teams battling it out in the qualifiers for the remaining four spots in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup. While Namibia and Sri Lanka are part of Group A along with UAE and Netherlands, Group B consists of West Indies, Scotland, Zimbabwe and Ireland.

While West Indies and Sri Lanka were clear favourites to top their respective groups, Namibia's shocking win over Sri Lanka on Sunday has blown Group A wide open. Namibia produced an excellent all-round performance at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong to post a strong total of 163 runs on the board before bundling out the Asia Cup champions for a paltry 108 runs to secure a thumping 55-run win.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/historic-day-for-us-namibia-captain-gerhard-erasmus-reacts-after-thrashing-sri-lanka-in-t20-world-cup-525840">Historic day for us: Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus reacts after thrashing Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup</a>

What can Sri Lanka's shock defeat mean for Rohit Sharma-led India?

Namibia's surprising victory over Sri Lanka can complicate things for the Indian team and have huge ramifications on the entire tournament. As per the ICC rules, the top two teams from the two qualifying groups will progress into the Super 12 stage.

While the table toppers from Group B and the second-ranked team from Group A will join India's Group 2 in the Super 12 stage, the table toppers from Group A and the second-ranked team from Group B will join Group 1 in the Super 12.

Sri Lanka's defeat means the Asia Cup champions might not finish on top in Group A with significant chances of them finishing second behind Namibia, who are well-placed to top the group. West Indies, on the other hand, remain favourites to Group B and might join Sri Lanka in the Group 2 of Super 12.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/namibia-pull-off-stunning-55-run-win-against-asia-cup-champions-sri-lanka-in-t20-world-cup-2022-525829">&nbsp;Namibia stun Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2022, inflict 55-run defeat</a>

India's group in the Super 12 already consists of the likes of Pakistan, South Africa and Bangladesh. The arrival of the likes of West Indies and Sri Lanka can further complicate matters for the Men in Blue as the battle for the top two spots will be an intense one between the six teams in Group 2.

Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka had recently defeated India in the recently-concluded Asia Cup in the UAE while South Africa and West Indies possess the ability to stun the best of the teams on their day.

Namibia pulled off a shock win over Sri Lanka in their opening game in the qualifiers as T20 World Cup 2022 got underway in Australia on Sunday (October 16). In one of the upsets of the tournament, 14th-ranked Namibia were a no-match to Sri Lanka, who are the reigning Asia Cup champions and were outright favourites ahead of the clash.

Namibia pulled off a shock win over Sri Lanka in their opening game in the qualifiers as T20 World Cup 2022 got underway in Australia on Sunday (October 16). In one of the upsets of the tournament, 14th-ranked Namibia were a no-match to Sri Lanka, who are the reigning Asia Cup champions and were outright favourites ahead of the clash. Namibia and Sri Lanka are among eight teams battling it out in the qualifiers for the remaining four spots in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup. While Namibia and Sri Lanka are part of Group A along with UAE and Netherlands, Group B consists of West Indies, Scotland, Zimbabwe and Ireland. While West Indies and Sri Lanka were clear favourites to top their respective groups, Namibia's shocking win over Sri Lanka on Sunday has blown Group A wide open. Namibia produced an excellent all-round performance at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong to post a strong total of 163 runs on the board before bundling out the Asia Cup champions for a paltry 108 runs to secure a thumping 55-run win. Also Read: Historic day for us: Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus reacts after thrashing Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup What can Sri Lanka's shock defeat mean for Rohit Sharma-led India? Namibia's surprising victory over Sri Lanka can complicate things for the Indian team and have huge ramifications on the entire tournament. As per the ICC rules, the top two teams from the two qualifying groups will progress into the Super 12 stage. While the table toppers from Group B and the second-ranked team from Group A will join India's Group 2 in the Super 12 stage, the table toppers from Group A and the second-ranked team from Group B will join Group 1 in the Super 12. Sri Lanka's defeat means the Asia Cup champions might not finish on top in Group A with significant chances of them finishing second behind Namibia, who are well-placed to top the group. West Indies, on the other hand, remain favourites to Group B and might join Sri Lanka in the Group 2 of Super 12. Also Read: Namibia stun Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2022, inflict 55-run defeat India's group in the Super 12 already consists of the likes of Pakistan, South Africa and Bangladesh. The arrival of the likes of West Indies and Sri Lanka can further complicate matters for the Men in Blue as the battle for the top two spots will be an intense one between the six teams in Group 2. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka had recently defeated India in the recently-concluded Asia Cup in the UAE while South Africa and West Indies possess the ability to stun the best of the teams on their day.

Explained: What Sri Lanka's shock defeat against Namibia could mean for India in T20 World Cup 2022?

14th-ranked Namibia stunned Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka, beating them by a comfortable margin of 55 runs to get off to a winning start in the T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday (October 16). Namibia were far from favourites heading into the clash against the Lankans, but batted brilliantly and followed it up with an exceptional bowling performance to clinch a comprehensive victory.

Namibia, an associate nation, had given an account of their talent and skill in the T20 World Cup last year. While they were tagged as minnows against Sri Lanka, the Gerhard Erasmus-led side always appeared a confident unit in their opener against Dasun Shanaka's men at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Sunday.

Namibia lost the toss and were asked to bat first and got off to a stuttering start. They lost openers Michael van Lingen (3) and Divan la Cock (9) cheaply and were reduced to 16/2 inside the first three overs as Sri Lanka looked in cruise control. However, the Namibia batters staged a valiant fightback and finished off well to post a seemingly strong total of 163 runs on the board.

Jan Frylinck top-scored with a quickfire 44 off 28 balls while JJ Smit played a sensational cameo of 16-ball 31 down the order. The likes of Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (20), Stephan Baard (26) and skipper Erasmus (20) also made vital contributions as the Namibia batters tackled the Sri Lankan bowlers well.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-dream-come-true-moment-for-11-year-old-as-he-bowls-to-india-captain-rohit-sharma-in-nets-525824">WATCH -&nbsp;Dream come true moment for 11-year-old as he bowls to India captain Rohit Sharma in nets</a>&nbsp;

After a valiant batting performance, the Namibian bowlers taught Sri Lanka how to bowl on the pitch by utilising the conditions well. Unlike Sri Lanka's short ball barrage, the Namibian pacers kept it full and let the ball do the talking throughout Sri Lanka's run-chase as they bundled out the Asia Cup champions for a paltry 108.

David Wiese and Bernard Scholtz were the pick of the bowlers for Namibia as they picked up a couple of wickets apiece while Frylinck produced a brilliant all-round performance as he followed up his 28-ball 44 with an exceptional spell of 2/26 in his four overs.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-is-as-accustomed-as-them-england-captain-jos-buttler-picks-his-favourites-for-t20-world-cup-2022-525812">No one is as accustomed as them: England captain Jos Buttler picks his favourites for T20 World Cup 2022</a>

In what was a cracking first day of the tournament, Namibia pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the T20 World Cup 2022. They have now given a great account of the skills at their disposal and will be among the deemed favourites to make it to the Super 12 from Group A.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will have to register a big win to get their net run rate back on track after their shocking defeat on Sunday. Sri Lanka have games remaining against UAE and Netherlands and can't afford any further slip-ups to make it to the next round.

14th-ranked Namibia stunned Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka, beating them by a comfortable margin of 55 runs to get off to a winning start in the T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday (October 16).

14th-ranked Namibia stunned Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka, beating them by a comfortable margin of 55 runs to get off to a winning start in the T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday (October 16). Namibia were far from favourites heading into the clash against the Lankans, but batted brilliantly and followed it up with an exceptional bowling performance to clinch a comprehensive victory. Namibia, an associate nation, had given an account of their talent and skill in the T20 World Cup last year. While they were tagged as minnows against Sri Lanka, the Gerhard Erasmus-led side always appeared a confident unit in their opener against Dasun Shanaka's men at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Sunday. Namibia lost the toss and were asked to bat first and got off to a stuttering start. They lost openers Michael van Lingen (3) and Divan la Cock (9) cheaply and were reduced to 16/2 inside the first three overs as Sri Lanka looked in cruise control. However, the Namibia batters staged a valiant fightback and finished off well to post a seemingly strong total of 163 runs on the board. Jan Frylinck top-scored with a quickfire 44 off 28 balls while JJ Smit played a sensational cameo of 16-ball 31 down the order. The likes of Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (20), Stephan Baard (26) and skipper Erasmus (20) also made vital contributions as the Namibia batters tackled the Sri Lankan bowlers well. Also Read: WATCH - Dream come true moment for 11-year-old as he bowls to India captain Rohit Sharma in nets After a valiant batting performance, the Namibian bowlers taught Sri Lanka how to bowl on the pitch by utilising the conditions well. Unlike Sri Lanka's short ball barrage, the Namibian pacers kept it full and let the ball do the talking throughout Sri Lanka's run-chase as they bundled out the Asia Cup champions for a paltry 108. David Wiese and Bernard Scholtz were the pick of the bowlers for Namibia as they picked up a couple of wickets apiece while Frylinck produced a brilliant all-round performance as he followed up his 28-ball 44 with an exceptional spell of 2/26 in his four overs. Also Read: No one is as accustomed as them: England captain Jos Buttler picks his favourites for T20 World Cup 2022 In what was a cracking first day of the tournament, Namibia pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the T20 World Cup 2022. They have now given a great account of the skills at their disposal and will be among the deemed favourites to make it to the Super 12 from Group A. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will have to register a big win to get their net run rate back on track after their shocking defeat on Sunday. Sri Lanka have games remaining against UAE and Netherlands and can't afford any further slip-ups to make it to the next round.

Namibia stun Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2022, inflict 55-run defeat