Maurice Kambukwe
Namibia have been pitted against Sri Lanka in the first match of the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup that will be held in Australia later this year.
The competition will run from 16 October to 13 November 2022, with 16 teams set to compete.
Namibia’s Eagles are one of 12 nations already confirmed, with the final four to be determined by Global Qualifying.
Namibia gained automatic entry to this year’s tournament after making it to the Super 12 stage at last year’s event. Sri Lanka, West Indies and Scotland also made it to the Super 12 stage.
The Eagles managed to beat powerhouse Netherlands and Ireland to cruise to the Super 12 category of the World Cup, where they collected one victory over Scotland.
Reacting to the draw, former national U/19 head and assistant coach Norbert Manyande said Sri Lanka is a tough opponent but believes they are strong enough to prevail.
“It’s a strong and good team that they have been drawn against, and every team will have a fair chance to put up a great fight against any team. The Eagles have become a force to be reckoned with in the cricket world, and I highly believe they can pull this one off against Sri Lanka,” he said.
The tournament will begin with a six-day group stage to determine the final four teams to qualify for the Super 12.
The winner of Group A and runners-up of Group B will join Group 1 in the Super 12 stage, with Group B’s winner and the second-placed team in Group A heading into Group 2.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na