NED vs SL Review: Sri Lanka set the tone with a victory against the Netherlands
Sri Lanka and the Netherlands faced each other at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow in the 19th match of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Netherlands won the toss and chose to bat first. However, they had a poor start to the game, losing their first six wickets for just 91 runs. It seemed unlikely that they would even reach a total of 150.
But Sybrand Engelbrecht and Logan van Beek came together for the eighth wicket and stitched a brilliant partnership of 130 runs. Their partnership stabilized the innings and helped the Dutch side post a competitive 262. Sybrand scored 70 runs while van Beek contributed 59. Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka and Kasun Rajitha both took four wickets each.
Chasing the target, Sri Lanka also lost two early wickets. However, Pathum Nissanka played a brilliant innings of 52 runs to stabilize the innings. Then Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka formed a partnership of 77 runs to ensure there was no danger for the team.
Asalanka got out while attempting a big shot, but Sadeera remained not out till the end and played a brilliant innings of 91 runs. Sri Lanka won the game by five wickets, earning their first points on the points table.
Top Performers of the Match
Sadeera Samarawickrama (91 of 107)
Sadeera has consistently been a standout performer for the Sri Lankan team in recent times. Once again there was a moment when it seemed like Sri Lanka would struggle to chase down the target. However, the reliable batter displayed his true batting class and ensured that he led his team to victory with a brilliant knock of 91 runs.
Dilshan Madushanka (4/49, 9.4overs)
Dilshan Madushanka exhibited his bowling prowess and troubled the Dutch batters with his exceptional left-arm pace and swing. Right from the beginning, he swung the ball and took crucial early wickets, putting the Dutch side on the back foot. With four crucial wickets to his name, he easily emerged as the best bowler of the match.
What next?
Going ahead, Sri Lanka will play against England on October 26. While the Netherlands will take on the Australia on October 25.
