The qualifying round of the T20 World Cup 2022 began with a bang as Namibia caused a huge upset by defeating Sri Lanka in the first match of the tournament on October 16, 2022, in Geelong, Australia.

Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan captain had won the toss and chose to bowl. Namibia posted 163/7 in 20 overs thanks to Jan Frylinck who top-scored with 44 runs, and JJ Smit who smoked 31* in just 16 balls. For Sri Lanka, Pramod Madushan picked two wickets for Sri Lanka.

In reply, Namibia bowlers’ pressure on Sri Lankan batters caused them to crumble with their big three at the top Nissanka (9), Mendis (6), and Gunathilaka (0) were dismissed early. Captain Shanaka (29) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (20) were the only ones to pass the 20-run mark.

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Sri Lanka was bowled out for 108 runs. Frylinck also took two wickets as Namibia won by 55 runs.

This led to Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauding the African nation on Twitter where he posted: “Namibia has told the cricketing world today… “Nam” yaad rakhna!”

To this, Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus quoted Tendulkar’s tweet with message: “Nam yaad rakhna!”

Namibia will next face the Netherlands on October 18, while Sri Lanka clashes with UAE on that same day in the Group A encounters.