Dream11 Predictions: SL vs NAM – Match 1 of T20 WC 2022

The inaugural game of the T20 World Cup 2022 will start with the qualifying round, where the Asian contestant Sri Lanka will battle against Namibia, an associate member. Sri Lanka currently ranks 8th in the ICC rankings, whereas Namibia ranks 14th.

This article will discuss the match details, pitch report, fantasy tips, and possible starting XI for the 1st match of the T20 World Cup 2022 – SL vs NAM.

Match Details

Ground: Simonds Stadium, Geelong. 

Date: October 16th, 2022

Time: 9.30 AM IST / 04:00 AM GMT / 03:00 PM LOCAL

Pitch Report 

The Simonds Stadium of Geelong has a typical Australian wicket that will work in favor of batters, and at the same time, it makes the fast bowling more interesting by providing the bounce and the nip. 

SL vs NAM Probable Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapasksa, Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madhushan

Namibia

Stephan Baard, Lohandre Louwrens, Gerhard Erasmus, Divan la Cook, JJ Smit, David Wiese, Zane Green, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Michael van Lingen, Ben Shikongo

SL vs NAM Top Fantasy Picks

Captain – David Wiese

The in-form David Wiese is the most reliable player in Namibia. Spin power-hitter, which will be helpful against Sri Lanka. Additionally, the Australian wicket may give him extra nip for his bowling. 

Vice-captain – Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga is naturally a wicket-taker who can bemuse the Namibian batters with his wide variety of leg spin. 

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis will be the obvious pick among the two keepers of this match. The opening batter can bring the game upside down with his aggressive batting. 

Batters – Nissanka, J Smit, Erasmus, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

The Sri Lankan top-order batters Nissanka and Rajapaksa will make the most out of their current form against the not-so-strong Namibian bowling attack. 

J Smit is fast bowling all-rounder who usually walks in at No.7 to bat and bowls his entire quota of four overs. 

The Namibian skipper G Erasmus walks at No. 4 and can score valuable runs against the Sri Lankan attack. 

All-rounders – Dasun Shanaka, Hasaranga

Bowlers – Trumpelmann, Chameera, Theekshana, C Karunaratne

Chameera, with his pace and Karunaratne, with his variations, may choke the Namibian batting order at the beginning and the death overs. 

Theekshana’s mystery bowling at the power play will fetch him some wickets. 

The South African-born Trumpelmann is a left arm quick who can make the Sri Lankan batters struggle at the Geelong pitch. 

Dream11 Team