Sri Lanka finish ODI WC qualifier with spotless record after bowlers script big win in the final.
In a match that held little significance but still carried a message, Sri Lanka made a strong statement by defeating the Netherlands by 128 runs in the qualifier final for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite a late batting collapse, Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated the Netherlands from the start.
Dilshan Madushanka was the chief destroyer, claiming three wickets within the first nine overs, while Wanindu Hasaranga also contributed with two wickets by the 12th over. Maheesh Theekshana then took charge, picking up four wickets to dismiss the Netherlands for a mere 105 runs. This victory meant that Sri Lanka had won the qualifying event without losing a single match. Both teams had already qualified for the ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in India later this year.
Netherlands, buoyed by their recent thrilling chase against Scotland, chose to field first once again. Vikramjit Singh took crucial wickets to remove both openers after a slow start. However, Kusal Mendis and Sahan Arachchige stabilized the Sri Lankan innings over the next 13 overs. The scoring rate increased, and Sri Lanka’s dominance grew, as the pitch offered little to the bowlers. The batsmen effectively used the sweep shot, particularly against leg-spinner Saqib Zulfiqar. However, when Mendis was dismissed, Netherlands finally made a breakthrough.
Arachchige reached his half-century, and Charith Asalanka’s run-a-ball 36 set Sri Lanka up for a strong finish. However, a sudden collapse allowed Netherlands to stage a comeback. A sharp catch by Logan van Beek at point ended Arachchige’s innings, and Asalanka was run out two deliveries later. Netherlands managed to dismiss Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva to disrupt Sri Lanka’s tail-enders. Only a brief cameo by Hasaranga helped Sri Lanka cross the 200-run mark. However, quick wickets towards the end of the innings limited them to 234.
Netherlands’ chase started promisingly as they reached 25 runs in 4.3 overs. However, when Vikramjit was dismissed, their fortunes took a downturn. Madushanka removed Wesley Barresi, while Hasaranga trapped Teja Nidamanuru in front. Netherlands struggled further as captain Scott Edwards fell to a run-out, leaving them at 49 for 6.
Max O’Dowd showed determination, but Sri Lanka had already seized control of the match. Theekshana returned to dismiss O’Dowd, and he went on to take four wickets in total as Netherlands was bowled out for 105.
These two teams will face each other again in a more crucial contest in India, where Netherlands hopes for a better performance.
Brief Score: Sri Lanka 233 (Arachchige 57, Mendis 43, Asalanka 36, Vikramjit 2-12) beat Netherlands 105 (O’Dowd 33, Theekshana 4-31, Madushanka 3-18, Hasaranga 2-35) by 128 runs.
Man of the Match: Dilshan Madushanka
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