In the 19th ODI World Cup 2023 match, Sri Lanka beat the Netherlands by 5 wickets to register their first win in the ongoing tournament. After a fiery bowling performance, Sri Lankan batters stole the show with their amazing batting performances. However, despite playing good cricket, the Netherlands failed to convert their performance into fruitful results.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards opted to bat first. His decision didn’t go well with the team, as the Orange Army lost six wickets for a mere 91 runs. All-rounder Colin Ackermann was the highest scorer among the top six batters, with 29 runs off 31 balls with the help of five boundaries.
However, he also failed to convert his good start into a big score. After falling way behind in the contest, Netherlands all-rounders Sybrand Engelbrecht and Logan Van Beek added 130 runs for the seventh wicket. Engelbrecht, in his inning, scored 70 runs off 82 balls with the help of seven fours and a six.
On the other hand, van Beek scored 59 runs off 75 balls with the help of a boundary and a six. In the end, the Netherlands posted a competitive total of 262/10 in 49.4 overs. Sri Lanka pacers Dilshan Madhusanka and Kasun Rajitha took four wickets each. Meanwhile, spinner Maheesh Teekshana also got a wicket.
Sri Lankan batters clinched the game out of Netherlands’ grip
Chasing a competitive total, Sri Lanka had a poor start. Spinner Aryan Dutt dismissed opener Kusal Perera for a mere 5 runs off 8 deliveries. Soon, skipper Kusal Mendis also lost his patience and fell prey to Dutt after scoring 11 runs off 17 deliveries. The Netherlands looked up in the game after taking two wickets in powerplay.
However, Sri Lankan batters didn’t let it happen and once again changed the momentum of the game. Sadeera Samrawickrama, along with Pathum Nissanka, added 52 runs for the third wicket. He then added 77 runs for the fourth wicket with Charith Aslanka and 76 runs with Dhanjaya de Silva for the fifth wicket.
Smarwickrama, in his innings, scored 91 runs off 107 balls with the help of seven boundaries. His amazing batting performance helped Sri Lanka register their first win in the ongoing tournament. Apart from Smarwickrama, Nissanka also scored a magnificent half-century. He smashed 54 runs off 52 balls with the help of nine fours.
Here is how fans reacted to Sri Lanka’s victory:
I happy with ? netherlands?? Great player ?
Well played orange? army— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) October 21, 2023
Finally! Congratulations Sri Lanka ?? on your 1st World Cup win
Well played #SLvNED pic.twitter.com/e8f4hOfbEZ— Sammy ? (@sammyX39) October 21, 2023
Congratulations?? lanka
Great player ?
Well played orange? army— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) October 21, 2023
Well Played Netherlands. You will be the top team in another 5 years. Congratulations Srilanka for the first win ??
— Indian Stats & Index (@statsfeed_india) October 21, 2023
At last they win the first match
— Qamar Zahoor (@qamarzahor) October 21, 2023
Great player ?
Well played orange? army— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) October 21, 2023
How important is it for Sri Lanka to maintain consistency after this win?
— Backchod Indian (@IndianBackchod) October 21, 2023
Finally
— M@ula (@OfclMaula) October 21, 2023
Well Played ???
— Bolo Yaarrrr (@ShaRo45264) October 21, 2023
Daniel right now??? pic.twitter.com/jyrun81VH0
— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) October 21, 2023
