SL vs NED: The Sri Lankan cricket team put on a magnificent display of dominance to qualify for the ODI World Cup with a perfect record. They strengthened their dominance in the final by smashing the Netherlands by a score of 128 runs.
Despite having already qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be set up in India later this year, Sri Lanka’s strong victory showed their unwavering resolve.
Though, The Sri Lankan openers got off to a tentative start before Kusal Mendis and Sahan Arachchige took over and put together a sizable partnership over the course of 13 overs. However, The Netherlands did make a breakthrough when Mendis was dismissed to a straight delivery.
Arachchige continued to thrive, scoring a well-deserving fifty, and Charith Asalanka contributed 36 runs, setting the way for Sri Lanka to have a good finish.
However, their partnership were quickly wrecked when Arachchige lost to a clean catch at point, which was followed by Asalanka’s unlucky run-out. By removing Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva and taking advantage of the momentum, the Netherlands exposed Sri Lanka’s weak points.
Both Sri Lanka & Netherlands would feature in the Marquee event in India
The total reached above 200 runs due to Hasaranga’s quick-fire contribution. However, Sri Lanka’s progress was halted as several more wickets fell in the final few overs, leaving them with a 234-run total.
Right from the start, Sri Lanka’s bowlers took center stage and destroyed the Netherlands’ batting order. With a furious bowling attack which resulted in three significant wickets collected within the first 10 overs.
By the twelfth over, Wanindu Hasaranga had joined the charge and displayed his skill by capturing two wickets. After taking over, Maheesh Theekshana caused chaos by grabbing four wickets and eliminating the Netherlands for just 105 runs.
In an attempt to redeem themselves in the upcoming ODI World Cup, Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards will be confident that his squad will present a more competitive threat.
Yet Sri Lanka’s undefeated record and the dominant performance of their bowlers in the qualification final have undoubtedly inspired fear in their opponents, making them an appealing challenger for the prestigious championship.
SL vs NED: ICC World Cup Qualifier Final Scorecard:
Sri Lanka: 233 (47.5 overs) Arachchige: 57 (71), Mendis: 43 (52), Vikramjit: 2/12, Netherlands: 115 (23.3 overs), Max O’Dowd: 33 (63), Logan Van Beek: 20* (24), Maheesh Theekshana: 4/31
