In an impressive display, Sri Lanka maintained their unbeaten streak and secured a resounding 128-run victory over the Netherlands in the Cricket World Cup 20223 Qualifier Final held in Harare. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka faced challenging conditions but managed to build a solid foundation with a promising opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who was promoted up the order.

Initially, the duo looked comfortable at the crease until Vikramjit Singh was introduced into the attack. Samarawickrama’s drive was brilliantly caught by Croes at short extra cover, leading to his dismissal for 19. Soon after, Nissanka fell victim to a sensational catch by Aryan Dutt at fine leg, as Vikramjit’s medium pace struck once again. Nissanka’s contribution ended at 23 runs. Kusal Mendis and Sahan Arachchige took charge of rebuilding the Sri Lankan innings while gradually increasing the scoring rate. Their partnership flourished, reaching a commendable 72 runs.

However, the momentum shifted when Saqib Zulfiqar dismissed Mendis for 43, with the batsman unsuccessfully reviewing the lbw decision. Sri Lanka’s score stood at 124/3 at the halfway mark, with the match finely poised.

Arachchige and Charith Asalanka formed another crucial partnership for Sri Lanka, but they failed to convert it into a substantial one. Their 64-run stand was broken by Zulfiqar, who dismissed Arachchige for a well-made 57. This wicket triggered a collapse for the Sri Lankan side, with the Netherlands gaining momentum. In the same over, Asalanka was run out for 36 in a close call. The subsequent over saw Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka departing for a mere 1 run, caught easily by Vikramjit off the bowling of Logan van Beek. Dhananjaya de Silva followed suit, falling for 4 against Klein’s bowling. The Netherlands capitalized on these four quick wickets, leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious position.

The sudden fall of wickets prevented Sri Lanka from reaching the substantial score they had initially targeted. The lower order, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, fought hard to add as many runs as possible, with Hasaranga contributing a valuable 29.

However, Sri Lanka’s innings concluded at 233 in 47.5 overs as they were bowled out. The tailenders, including Maheesh Theekshana (13) and Matheesha Pathirana, were dismissed. The Dutch team’s brilliant performance limited Sri Lanka’s total.

In response, the Netherlands encountered early setbacks in the opening Powerplay as Sri Lanka’s bowlers wreaked havoc. Dilshan Madushanka made an impact, dismissing Vikramjit for 13 with a soft shot. Madushanka struck again, sending Wesley Baressi’s middle stump flying, leaving him with a duck. The leading wicket-taker of the tournament, Wanindu Hasaranga, added to the Netherlands’ woes by trapping Teja Nidamanuru for a duck.

Madushanka continued his excellent bowling by dismissing Noah Croes for 7 in consecutive overs. The Netherlands lost their fifth wicket within the first 10 overs when captain Scott Edwards was run out for 1. Saqib Zulfiqar fell prey to the brilliance of Hasaranga, adding to the Netherlands’ troubles. By the 15-over mark, the Netherlands were struggling at 64/6, with Max O’Dowd (22*) and Logan van Beek (4*) at the crease.

O’Dowd’s scratchy innings of 33 finally came to an end as Theekshana got involved, cleaning him up. Theekshana continued his impact by dismissing Ryan Klein lbw for 2. In the same over, he secured his third wicket by trapping Aryan Dutt lbw for a duck.

Theekshana concluded the match for Sri Lanka by bowling Clayton Floyd for 9, resulting in the Netherlands being bowled out for 105. Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, solidifying their position as the winners.

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