T20 World Cup 2022: Namibia and Scotland - Three critical lessons from the David VS Goliath matches in the T20 format

On the tournament's opening day, we saw Namibia hammering Asia Cup champions, Sri Lanka, to grab a 55-run win in Geelong. While Jan Frylinck's all-rounding performance stole the show for Namibia, George Munsey's unbeaten 66 and Mark Watt's three-wicket haul did it for Scotland in Hobart against West Indies. Scotland defeated two-time T20 World Cup champions by 42 in another upset at the World Cup. 

With such a competitive start to the T20I World Cup, there are a few key takeaways.

Not to take any team lightly this World Cup

Sports reporter Scott Bailey tweeted, "Imagine thinking Sri Lanka and West Indies would be beaten on the opening two days of this World Cup by associates. Incredible."

Former Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer wrote, "2 previous @T20WorldCup champions playing in the qualifying rounds & both lose to associates @CricketScotland & @CricketNamibia1! It seems the skill gaps are narrowing despite the widening of the gaps for fair opportunity & funding! Time to split the pie a bit more? @ICC."

Scotland's win over West Indies is even more notable because they have played only two T20 internationals since last year's T20 World Cup in UAE. 

Surprised by two wins, Wasim Jaffer tweeted, "Namibia yesterday and Scotland today. These don't just win; these are statements! This WC is off to a spicy start. Well done @CricketScotland #WIvSCO”

ESPNcricinfo wrote, "Match 1 - Namibia beat the 2014 champions 

Match 2 - the Netherlands win a last-over thriller

Match 3 - Scotland beat two-time champions

This tournament is too much already 

#T20WorldCup | #SCOvWI”

Both the teams, Namibia and Scotland, are on course for a second straight Super 12 place after achieving this feat once last year. 

Australia's pitch playing its role and power of wrist spinners 

When Sri Lanka locked horns with Namibia, Sri Lankan bowlers wrongly estimated Australian pitches. The bounce and traditional nature of the pitch forced them to bowl more of a short-pitched ball.

Whereas Namibia bowlers were clinical in judging and bowling a lot fuller and let the ball do its bit. 

Also, Mark Watt, wrist arm spinner for Scotland, turned out to be the highest wicket-taker apart from pacers. So Australian pitches have not only a lot to offer for pacers but also aid wrist spinners. 

The crucial role of All-rounder 

All-rounders bring great flexibility to the team; generally, these are the players who become the reason for a game's fate.

In these couple of games, all-rounders have played crucial roles for their teams till now. Many players came into the spotlight, from Jan Frylinck, who not only scored a match-winning run for Namibia but also took wickets, to Jason Holder, who led West Indies to an even more humiliating defeat against Scotland.

Every team in this tournament has one or two great all-rounders, and as the competition moves forward, we will see many more match-winning performances from such players.