Sri Lanka survive Edwards scare to defend 213, Theekshana starred with a three-for after Dhananjaya’s 93 dragged them past 200.
Sri Lanka secured their lead in the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier’s Super Six stage on Friday, thanks to Dhananjaya de Silva’s career-best 93 and Maheesh Theekshana’s crucial three wickets. Sri Lanka now boasts six points from three games, positioning themselves favorably to finish among the top two and qualify for the main tournament in India, taking place from October 5 to November 19.
During the match, Dhananjaya’s 111-ball innings, featuring eight fours and two sixes, rescued Sri Lanka from a precarious 96 for six, allowing them to reach 213 in 47.4 overs.
Theekshana then delivered a pivotal blow, taking three wickets in just two overs to disrupt the Dutch chase. The Netherlands was eventually all out for 192 in 40 overs, with Wanindu Hasaranga contributing with 2 for 53.
Throughout the Sri Lankan innings, the Dhananjaya-Theekshana partnership of 77 runs for the eighth wicket was crucial, rescuing the team from a difficult position of 131 for 7. Logan van Beek, who had previously played a vital role in West Indies’ victory, bowled an inspired opening spell for the Dutch, taking 3 for 26.
The Netherlands faced a target of 214, which was certainly attainable even on a challenging batting surface. However, their openers were dismissed for ducks, with Lahiru Kumara removing Vikramjit Singh and Dilshan Madushanka accounting for Max O’Dowd.
Despite the early setbacks, a 77-run partnership between Wesley Barresi (52) and Bas de Leede (41) revived the Dutch chase. It was broken by a quick piece of fielding by Dasun Shanaka, leading to Barresi’s run-out while attempting a single.
Teja Nidamanuru became the third Dutch batsman to be dismissed for a duck, falling to Hasaranga. Scott Edwards then joined De Leede, adding 36 runs in six overs. However, Theekshana provided the much-needed breakthrough by breaching De Leede’s defenses. In his next over, he claimed two more wickets, including that of Van Beek. Another run-out reduced the Netherlands to 151 for eight.
The final Dutch pair attempted to get closer to the target, with skipper Edwards scoring well. However, Edwards was left stranded at 67 when Aryan Dutt was bowled by Shanaka.
In another match in Harare on the same day, Ireland secured a comfortable six-wicket victory over the USA in the 7th place play-off semi-final.
Brief Score: Sri Lanka 213 (Dhananjaya 93, van Beek 3-26, de Leede 3-42) beat Netherlands 192 (Edwards 67, Barresi 52, Theekshana 3-31) by 21 runs.
Man of the Match: Dhananjaya de Silva
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