The win ensured that Sri Lanka remained tied on the prime of the standings alongside hosts Zimbabwe, retaining their hopes alive for one of many two coveted spots within the upcoming World Cup in India.
Following the match, Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka acknowledged the importance of their upcoming conflict towards Zimbabwe, stating, “Zimbabwe is a big, big match for us.” With the staff driving excessive on the again of their current triumph, Shanaka expressed his satisfaction with the hard-fought victory.
Having received the toss and opting to bat first, Shanaka’s resolution initially seemed to be ill-fated as Sri Lanka struggled to place up a aggressive complete, finally being bowled out for 213 runs in 47.4 overs. The Dutch, identified for inflicting upsets, had Sri Lanka on the ropes at 67/5 after which 96/6.
However, all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva stepped as much as the problem and performed an important position in guiding Sri Lanka to a good complete. De Silva’s resilient innings of 93 runs off 111 balls, comprising eight fours and two sixes, was instrumental in his staff’s restoration. He discovered help from Wanindu Hasaranga (20) and Maheesh Theekshana (28) to make sure Sri Lanka had a defendable complete.
Reflecting on his innings, de Silva commented on his method, saying, “My idea was to bat through the overs. I was basically just playing straight. I like to spend time in the middle. This was the opportunity for me to do it. I think I did a good job.”
Among the Dutch bowlers, medium pacer Logan van Beek impressed with figures of three wickets for simply 26 runs in 9 economical overs. Bas de Leede additionally made a major contribution, taking three wickets, together with that of de Silva, conceding 42 runs within the course of.
In response, the Netherlands obtained off to a disastrous begin, dropping opener Vikramjit Singh for a duck to the second ball of the innings, adopted by Max O’Dowd departing for a duck simply 5 balls later. Wesley Barresi (52) and Bas de Leede (41) staged a revival, however the Sri Lankan spinners quickly turned the tide.
Theekshana, a thriller spinner, was the tormentor-in-chief as he dismantled the Dutch center order, claiming three essential wickets. His deadly bowling accounted for Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, and finally bowled de Leede, leaving the Netherlands struggling to search out their footing.
Despite skipper Scott Edwards’ valiant efforts to guide his staff to victory, his companions fell one after one other. Hasaranga deceived Ryan Klein with a googly that crashed by way of the gate to dismiss him for five runs. With an agonising last-wicket stand of 16, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka delivered the ultimate blow by bowling Aryan Dutt for seven runs, leaving Edwards stranded on an unbeaten 67, which included 4 fours and two sixes.
Disappointed with the end result, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards praised his staff’s bowling effort, saying, “We bowled really well. A bit disappointing with the bat. We felt we should have got across the line.”
(With inputs from AFP)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com