The Sri Lankans were shocked by Namibia in the curtain raiser and will need their batting to come good against UAE to keep their Super 12 qualification hopes alive.
Sri Lanka’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 campaign started with a humbling against Namibia in the tournament’s opener – a result that leaves no room for error for the Asia Cup Champions.
The margin of the 55-run loss against the African side, and its impact on Sri Lanka’s net run rate, means that Dasun Shanaka’s side will have to push for a big win against United Arab Emirates. Two victories from this point doesn’t guarantee a place in the Super 12 stage, and it could all come down to NRR.
A stunned Shanaka responded after the defeat: “We didn’t execute our plans well. I think we went for the yorkers and we didn’t execute with low full tosses and half volleys. I think that’s where it went wrong. I think if they had stuck to that hard length, wicket-to-wicket, like the Namibian bowlers did really well, it should have been different.”
Opponents UAE will have prepared for a stern test against the Lankan spinners, who will have a big part to play in the contest.
The early stages of this tournament suggest that spin is set to be a big factor, and Sri Lanka have a well-balanced mix of slow bowlers, led by the consistent Wanindu Hasaranga.
UAE may not have the firepower of Namibia that troubled Sri Lanka so much on the opening day, but another blip for the Lankan batters could be terminal to their qualification chances.