Sri Lanka defeats Namibia convincingly thanks to bowlers

A clinical performance with the ball followed by an unbroken partnership of 74 between Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa meant Sri Lanka edged past Namibia by seven wickets in a Group A match of the ICC men’s T20 World Cup at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here on Monday.

The win was set up by off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana scalping 3/25 while Wanindu Hasaranga (2/24) and Lahiru Kumara (2/9) doing well to keep the Namibia batting line-up on a very tight leash. Chasing a paltry 96, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Perera (11) and Pathum Nissanka (5) in the first three overs.

Dinesh Chandimal couldn’t hang on for long, nicking behind to leave Sri Lanka in trouble at 26/3 in 5.1 overs. Avishka Fernando (30 not out off 28 balls) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (42 not out off 27 balls) ensured there were no further hiccups in the chase with an uninterrupted association of 74 off 50 balls.

Rajaspaksa sealed the match in style with a six-over fine leg to take Sri Lanka home comfortably with 39 balls to spare.

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