Sri Lanka vs Namibia, UAE vs Netherlands keep things going for Australia

Confident Sri Lanka opens ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Fresh off the Asian title on Sunday, they face a tricky preliminaries negotiation to join the big guns in the main draw.

They play a global exhibition match in Geelong against a Namibian team hoping to surprise again after their Super 12 debut last year.

The eighth edition of the event, originally scheduled for 2020, has since been relocated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a double race at the 36,000-capacity Kardinia Park outside Melbourne.

T20 World Cup, Group A preview: Sri Lanka emerge as favourites in Super 12 race

Later on Sunday, the United Arab Emirates take on the Netherlands, followed by two-time champions West Indies, Scotland, Zimbabwe and Ireland in Hobart on Monday.

Although 2014 champions Sri Lanka failed to automatically qualify for the Super 12, captain Dasun Shanaka believes they can go a long way after beating India and Pakistan to win the Asian Cup last month.

“The momentum is there and winning the Asian Cup really helps get into the World Cup,” he said.

“The qualifiers are really helpful because we’re going to be playing in conditions before the main event, so that’s good for us.”

They must first overcome a seasoned Namibia led by Gerhard Erasmus, who hopes for more performances from talisman David Wiese and pacemaker Ruben Trumpelmann, both of whom played key roles last year.

The Africans also face Sri Lanka for the first time in 2021, suffering seven wickets in the first round of 2021 before beating Holland and Ireland.

– Progress –

Eight teams from the first round are vying for four spots in the Super 12, which kicks off on October 22 when defending champions Australia take on 2021 finalists New Zealand in Sydney.

Britain, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will also wait.

The top four advance to the semi-finals ahead of the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 13 November.

T20 World Cup, Group B preview: West Indies headline tricky side hoping to reach Super 12

Like Namibia, the UAE have only played in their second T20 World Cup and have played in two losses to Bangladesh.

They last played in 2014 with three convincing defeats and any win this year would be historic.

Ryan Cook’s Netherlands are the first for the UAE to reach their fourth successive World Cup, but they are looking to secure their first win since 2016 in the competition.

“We want to carry over the visible progress over the summer into the tournament,” said Cook, whose side swept the qualifying rounds in July to secure a World Cup berth.

West Indies are the only two-time winners of the event, but like Sri Lanka have to play the first round. They are paired with Scotland, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

The men, who lost twice to Australia’s Nicholas Pooran last week, face Scotland first in Hobart on Monday, with Ireland and Zimbabwe also meeting in the Tasmanian capital.

“We’ve gotten used to these conditions, putting our self-esteem aside and making a team plan,” Pooran said.

Once qualifying is complete, Aaron Finch’s Australia will make history against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand as the first back-to-back world champions.

England take on Afghanistan in Perth on the same day.

More than 90,000 fans were expected in a sensational clash in Melbourne 24 hours later when India lost injured speed pioneer Jasprit Bumrah to meet arch-rivals and 2009 champions Pakistan.

(AFP text report)

Captain’s Corner:

Sri Lanka captain Dashun in the sand: “After a really good Asian Cup, we are very confident. The environment is really good. We are very focused on our batting. Since it is early summer, things will be different, so we are very focused on that. Besides, I think the bowlers are really shaping, so Chameera is back with us and Lahiru Kumara is back with us, so they’re a plus from the Asian Cup. Yeah, it depends on the day. T20 In cricket we never know who will be good and when. I think the better team will win on the day.”

Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus: “I think this year is a little bit different from last year. We can take advantage of this weakness factor and accept it and there may be more expectations this year to be better. Our preparations have been very good, arriving very early in the Australian countryside. Wangaratta and got used to everything here. So I think we’ll try to keep the underdog label on for a while, but when the real thing starts, if we can do it, you need to bring these guys on High level of technology at the World Cup.”

Dutch captain Scott Edwards: “I think playing in the World Cup is what you’ve always looked forward to since you were a kid, so it’s fantastic to be here to represent the Netherlands. Yes, we’re very happy with the team we’ve brought. We have a good Prep, I think there are seven or eight practice sessions going into the tournament. Hopefully, yeah, win a few games in the first round and see where we go.”

UAE captain CP Rizwan: “This means a lot to us. There are many good things about UAE cricket. The UAE will host a league. Yes, back to this game, our kids are really well prepared. We want to really make an impact, showcase our skills on this larger platform and show the world that we’re here to make an impact. “

— via ICC Media

Schedule for October 16:

Sri Lanka vs Namibia, Group A: 9.30am IST

UAE vs Netherlands, Group A: 1.30pm IST