 "Netherlands vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2023: Top five moments from Lankans' win over the Dutch")
Sri Lanka finally ended their winless streak in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, after they got the better of Netherlands by five wickets on Saturday. World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table The Lankans were languishing at the bottom of the points table at one stage, but finally bounced back against the Dutch, to clinch a win that took them to eight place. Despite their defeat, the Dutch were not to be taken lightly as they showcased a lot of grit and determination in their effort.
There were a lot of defining moments from the contest in Lucknow. Let’s now take a look at some of them: Engelbrecht-van Beek stand After electing to bat first, Netherlands were never really settled in the middle as far as their batters were concerned. Colin Ackerman and Max O’Dowd did forge a 41-run stand for the second wicket, but lack of consistent partnerships hurt the Dutch.
That was until Logan van Beek came into bat at number eight. Netherlands were reeling at 91/6 at one stage, and van Beek and Sybrand Engelbrecht forged a 130-run stand in 143 deliveries for the seventh wicket, with both the batters getting to their respective fifties. The partnership was finally broken when Engelbrecht was dismissed in the 46th over by Dilshan Madushanka, leaving Netherlands at 221/7. The Dutch went onto post 262. Madushanka-Rajita dominate the bowling Before Engelbrecht and van Beek came into the action, it was the duo of Dilshan Madushanka and Kasun Rajitha who dominated the proceedings.
The pair had shared five of the first six wickets between them. While Rajitha struck Vikramjit Singh LBW before cleaning up Max O’ Dowd and removing Colin Ackermann, Madushanka saw off Bas de Leede and Teja Nidamanuru. Madushanka would then go onto clean up Engelbrecht in the 46th whereas two overs later, Rajitha would get rid of van Beek, who was caught by Charith Asalanka. Madushanka finished with figures of 4/49, while Rajitha finished with figures of 4/50. Aryan Dutt provides an early scare Sri Lankan batters have struggled to get going in the World Cup at times, and for a few moments, it seemed as though Netherlands would spring yet another surprise result, days after stunning South Africa. Aryan Dutt was brought into the attack early on, and in the Lankan chase, he drew first blood, getting rid of Kusal Perera courtesy a catch from Bas de Leede at short third in the fifth over. Another five overs later, Dutt struck again, this time removing stand-in Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis, who was caught by van Meekeren at short fine leg. However, the Dutch celebrations did not last long as the momentum swiftly shifted towards the Lankans. Sadeera Samarawickrama stands tall Sadeera Samarawickrama did the star turn with the bat for Sri Lanka, just 11 days after his century went in vain against Pakistan. This time, even though there was no century for the 28-year-old, his innings did not go unnoticed.
Coming into bat at number four, following the wicket of Kusal Mendis in the 10th over, Samarwickrama went onto score an unbeaten 91 off 107 deliveries. He forged three 50-plus stands, one each with Pathum Nissanka, Charith Aslanka and Dhananjaya de Silva to eventually help Sri Lanka cross the finish line with 10 balls to spare. Despite wickets falling at the other end, there was no stopping Samarawickrama. Kusal Perera’s flying catch Getting rid of Bas de Leede was crucial for Sri Lanka and Kusal Perera stepped up at the right moment. De Leede was dismissed in the 17th over, off Dilshan Madushanka’s ball that was short of a length. De Leede went for the late ramp on this occasion but Perera moved across the third man, stretched his hands, and showcased brilliant athleticism to complete the catch and get rid of De Leede.