How mass migration of players from South Africa made Namibia stronger, upset Sri Lanka in World T20 opener
SEVENTY-SIX miles from Melbourne, in the port city of Geelong, world cricket’s lesser-known nation Namibia spun the first big upset of the T20 World Cup — in the very first match of the tournament. They toppled Sri Lanka, the Asia Cup winners from last month and former world champions, by 55 runs in the qualifiers.
If the qualifying line-up lacked buzz — for some, the real deal begins on October 22 when Australia and New Zealand duel; for others, it starts on October 23 when Pakistan and India encounter each other — this match would go a long way in infusing interest and intrigue in the tournament.
Even if one considers Sri Lanka’s fluctuating fortunes in the last five years and Namibia’s penchant to script fairy tales, the result was unanticipated. Such prospects looked even more dista...