The Super 12 round of the 2022 T20 World Cup is yet to begin, but cricket fans around the world have their eyes on the qualifiers from which 4 teams are to be promoted. People like Sri Lanka, West Indies, Namibia, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, UAE and Zimbabwe are already competing for the 4 vacant spots in the Super 12s. While Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Ireland may well be the favorites to advance, the match between the Lankans and Namibia on the opening day of the tournament itself was an eye-opener.
On Sunday, the opening day of the 2022 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka suffered a stunning 55-run defeat to Namibia in Geelong. The Lankans chased a 164-run goal and were tricked by the Namibian bowlers. With the exception of Dasun Shanka’s 29 and Bhanuka Rajapksa’s 20, none of the Sri Lankan batters even crossed the 20-point mark.
The fact that reigning Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka can be beaten by a team like Namibia has blown the whole tournament.
But this defeat of Sri Lanka could have huge consequences for the entire tournament. According to the rules, the top two teams from the two qualifying groups will participate in the Super 12s.
As for India’s group, which includes Pakistan, South Africa and Bangladesh, the winner of Group B and the runner-up in Group A will join them.
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The West Indies are the favorites to win Group B, while Group A could now see Sri Lanka take second place, thanks to their defeat to Namibia.
Therefore, the Indian group could see an intense battle for the top positions, between Rohit Sharma’s men, Pakistan, the West Indies and Sri Lanka. It should be noted that the Lankans had recently beaten India in the Asian Cup to secure a place in the final.
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