Sri Lanka vs Netherlands: Sri Lanka defeated the Netherlands by 128 runs, with Sri Lanka scoring 233 runs (Arachige 57, Mendis 43, Asalanka 36, Vikramjeet 2-12) and the Netherlands managing only 105 runs (O’Doud 33, Thikshana 4-31, Madushanka 3-18, Hasaranga 2-35).
Sri Lanka vs Netherlands
Although this match seemed inconsequential, Sri Lanka managed to make their mark. Perhaps due to the need to qualify for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, they secured their qualification by defeating the Netherlands by a margin of 128 runs in the qualifier final, showcasing their dominance.
Despite a late collapse in batting, where they lost their last seven wickets for 53 runs, Sri Lanka always had the upper hand because their bowlers dismantled the Netherlands even before the chase began.
Dilshan Madushanka took three wickets in the ninth over, causing the most damage, while Wanindu Hasaranga was also instrumental with two wickets by the 12th over. After that, Mahesh Thikshana’s four wickets restricted the Netherlands to 105 runs. This meant that Sri Lanka won every match in the qualifying competition without losing a single one. Both finalists had already qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in India at the end of this year.
After a splendid victory against Scotland, the Netherlands once again decided to bat first. Vikramjeet Singh, after a slow start, dismissed both opening batsmen in the first powerplay. However, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka strengthened the team in the next 13 overs. The scoring rate increased, and Sri Lanka’s dominance grew, leaving the Netherlands bowlers with limited opportunities on the pitch. The batsmen employed the sweep shot effectively against the spinners, especially leg-spinner Sakib Julfikar. But when Mendis mistimed a shot, the Netherlands found success.
Asalanka completed his half-century, and his 36-run innings set the stage for Sri Lanka’s finish, but a crucial wicket setback aided the Netherlands’ comeback in the competition.
Logan van Beek’s superb catch dismissed Asalanka, and shortly after, Asalanka ran himself out. Through the efforts of Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka was pinned down, and only a solitary cameo by Hasaranga helped them cross the 200-run mark. However, a quick burst of wickets at the death ended that stand, and the Netherlands had to chase 234 runs.
While chasing the target, the Netherlands had a good start, making 25 runs in 4.3 overs. But when Vikramjeet bowled a direct line to cover point, the floodgates opened. Madushanka clean bowled Wesley Barresi, and then Hasaranga trapped Timm van der Gugten in front of the stumps. Captain Scott Edwards’ careless run-out led to the collapse of the Netherlands, and their score quickly reached 49 runs for 6 wickets.
Max O’Dowd played with determination to ensure the total reached within three digits. However, Sri Lanka had already gained an advantage over the opposition. With a partnership of 36 runs alongside van Beek, Thikshana dismissed O’Dowd on the off-stump, knocking it back. This was the first of his four wickets as he played a supporting role to mop up the tail, leaving the Netherlands stranded at 105 runs for the ICC Cricket World Cup.
These two teams will meet again in a crucial competition in India, where Edwards will hope for a better performance from his side More Sports News Click Here.
