Sri Lanka concluded the ODI World Cup qualifier with an impeccable record after their bowlers delivered a resounding victory in the final match. Despite a modest target, the Netherlands struggled, collapsing to 105 all out, having been 49 for six wickets at one point during the chase.
In their innings, Sri Lanka scored 233 runs, with Sahan Arachchige contributing 57, Kusal Mendis 43, and Charith Asalanka 36. Vikramjit Singh claimed two wickets for 12 runs. The Netherlands batsmen found it challenging to cope with Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Dilshan Madushanka, who took three wickets in the first nine overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga also made a notable impact with two wickets by the 12th over. Eventually, Mahesh Theekshana’s exceptional performance, taking four wickets, led to the Netherlands being dismissed for 105. Sri Lanka maintained a perfect record throughout the qualifying event, having not lost a single match. Both teams had already secured their spots in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.
Having come off an impressive chase against Scotland, the Netherlands chose to field first once again. Although Singh dismissed both Sri Lankan openers, Mendis and Arachchige built a solid partnership, capitalising on the lack of assistance from the pitch. The scoring rate increased, and Sri Lanka’s dominance in the game became evident. However, a collapse in the later stages allowed the Netherlands to regain momentum.
Arachchige’s innings ended after a sharp catch by Logan van Beek, and Asalanka was run out soon after. Netherlands capitalised on further breakthroughs, dismissing Shanaka and Dhananjay de Silva, and made significant inroads into Sri Lanka’s tail. With the help of Hasaranga’s cameo, Sri Lanka managed to surpass the 200-run mark. Nevertheless, quick wickets towards the end halted their progress, and they finished their innings with a total of 234.
The Netherlands showed promise in the initial overs of their chase, accumulating 25 runs in 4.3 overs. However, when Singh fell to a delivery and was caught at cover point, the Netherlands’ batting order crumbled. Madushanka dismissed Wesley Barresi, while Hasaranga trapped Teja Nidamanuru in the front. The Netherlands suffered a setback when their captain, Scott Edwards, was run out carelessly, leaving them struggling at 49 for six wickets.
Max O’Dowd displayed resilience, guiding the team towards triple figures, but the match was already in Sri Lanka’s favour. Theekshana returned to dismiss O’Dowd, ending his gritty partnership with van Beek, and took three more wickets. As a result, the Netherlands were bowled out for 105, and Sri Lanka emerged victorious.
These two teams will face each other again in a more crucial encounter in India, where Edwards will be hopeful of a better performance from his side.
