ABHU DHABI: Sri Lanka kicked off their world cup campaign in style with an all-round performance and winning by 7 wickets against Namibia. Namibia only managed to score 96 runs. The Sri Lankan bowlers all were among wickets with Maheesh Theekshana being the leading wicket taker (3 for 25 runs). Wanindu Hasaranga and Lahiru Kumara both got 2 wickets each.
Chasing 96, Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother at 26 for 3 wickets in the 5th over losing Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal. Bhanuka Rajapaksha (42* runs off 27 balls) and Avishka Fernando (30* off 28 balls) came together with a 74 run partnership to sail Sri Lanka to the shores. Sri Lanka won convincingly at the end scoring 100 with 39 balls remaining for the loss of only 3 wickets. Maheesh Theekshana was adjudged the player of the match. (RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]
