Sri Lanka has registered a nail-biting win against the Netherlands in their first match of the Super Six stage of the Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023. The Srilankan side are now one step closer to the mega event after a thrilling 21-run win over the Dutch team at Queens Sports Club.
Sri Lanka managed 213 runs on the board before being bowled out in 47.4 overs. Pathum Nissanka was dismissed in the very first ball of the inning, and they were four down for 34 runs in the seventh over. They were in trouble, having lost seven wickets for 131 runs.
Dhananjaya de Silva then came to the rescue. He added 77 runs with Maheesh Theekshana for the eighth wicket. Theekshana made a crucial 28, while de Silva scored 93 runs with eight fours and two sixes. Opener Dimuth Karunaratne also made 33, whereas Wanindu Hasaranga coming to bat at number eight, made important 20 runs.
For the Netherlands, Logan van Beek and Bas de Leede pocketed three wickets each. Saqib Zulfiqar also pocketed two wickets.
In reply, the Dutch side were bowled out for 192 runs in 40 overs, falling short by 21 runs. They also lost two early wickets within the second over. Wesley Barresi and Bas de Leede shared 77 runs stand for the third wicket to boost up the Dutch inning. Barresi made 52, while de Leede added 41 runs.
Captain Scott Edwards’ brave 67* runs were not enough to take his side home due to the lack of support from other batters. Apart from Edwards, Barresi and de Leede, none of the Dutch batters were able to score double-digit figure.
Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of a bowler for Sri Lanka, picking up three wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga picked up two, while the other three bowlers grabbed one each.
Dhananjaya de Silva was adjudged player of the match for his important knock.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have six points each, having played three matches each. Both teams are now in the front seat to book World Cup seats.
