Sri Lanka delivered a stellar performance across all departments to secure an 83-run victory against the Netherlands in their final match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite the match's lack of implications for the tournament standings, Sri Lanka showcased their prowess by posting a formidable total of 201-6 on a pitch conducive to batting.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Building a Solid Total
Although losing an early wicket might have unnerved the Sri Lankan camp, vital contributions from their top and middle order helped them amass a challenging score. The Netherlands, hoping to clinch a spot in the Super 8s with a win and a favourable outcome in another match, initially made inroads by taking quick wickets. However, they failed to sustain the pressure. The Dutch started their chase with aggression but were ultimately undone by the quality of Sri Lanka's bowling and the news of Bangladesh’s victory over Nepal, which dampened their spirits. The Netherlands were eventually bowled out for 118.
Power play: Netherlands Keep it Tight
In the first phase, the Netherlands managed to keep the run rate in check, limiting Sri Lanka to 45-2 with an economy of 7.50. Vivian Kingma dismissed Pathum Nissanka with Engelbrecht catching him at a deep backward point. The Dutch bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths. Despite this, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis broke free in the fifth over, hitting Kingma for boundaries while rotating the strike effectively. Paul van Meekeren, brought into the attack in the sixth over, was hit for a six by Kamindu but managed to get him out soon after with a short and wide delivery that was caught at backward point.
Middle Overs: Steady Foundation for a Big Finish
During the middle overs, Sri Lanka focused on placing the ball in gaps and running well between the wickets as boundary opportunities were limited. Tim Pringle's ninth over was expensive, yielding 12 runs, with Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis finding the boundary. Their partnership ended when Mendis, trying to accelerate, pulled Aryan Dutt and was caught. Dhananjaya then took on van Meekeren for 18 runs in the 13th over before falling to Pringle.
Death Overs: Power Hitting Ensures a Strong Finish
In the final overs, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, and skipper Wanindu Hasaranga displayed powerful hitting. Mathews survived a drop, while Asalanka avoided an LBW decision. Taking full advantage, they punished the Dutch bowlers, with Pringle's last over going for 19 runs. Asalanka hammered two sixes off Logan van Beek before the latter struck back with two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Hasaranga contributed with a streaky boundary followed by a couple of sixes, propelling Sri Lanka past 200.
Netherlands’ Response: A Strong Start but a Faltering Chase
Power play: Aggressive Start by Levitt and O'Dowd
The Netherlands began their innings with intent, scoring 39 runs in three overs after Angelo Mathews’ tight first over. Theekshana's initial over was expensive, conceding 13 runs. However, Thushara’s change of ends proved effective as he removed Max O'Dowd. Theekshana then kept Vikramjeet Singh under pressure, leading to Michael Levitt's dismissal as he attempted an aggressive shot too soon.
Middle Overs: Sri Lankan Bowlers Dominate
After the powerplay, Sri Lanka's bowlers maintained their dominance. A struggling Vikramjeet Singh was caught at deep mid-wicket trying to pull Dasun Shanaka. Engelbrecht’s brief resistance ended when he was caught by Pathirana at long on. The Netherlands' middle order collapsed, with Bas de Leede and Logan van Beek falling in quick succession. Aryan Dutt was bowled by Pathirana, unable to handle his slinky action. The disciplined stump-to-stump bowling restricted any further Dutch momentum.
Death Overs: Netherlands Collapse Under Pressure
Facing an uphill task with 100 runs required from the last five overs, Scott Edwards briefly offered hope by hitting Theekshana for a six and carving Thushara through the covers for four. However, Thushara responded by dismissing Edwards with an early pull that was caught at mid-wicket. The match concluded with van Meekeren being trapped LBW while attempting a scoop shot, sealing Sri Lanka’s comfortable win.
Brief Scores
- Sri Lanka: 201/6 in 20 overs (Charith Asalanka 46, Kusal Mendis 43; Logan van Beek 2-45)
- Netherlands: 118/10 in 20 overs (Michael Levitt 31, Scott Edwards 31; Nuwan Thushara 3-24)
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 83 runs.
Post-Match Outlook
Both teams will head home after this match. The Netherlands finished fourth in their group with one win, while Sri Lanka ended their World Cup campaign on a positive note with this solitary victory, marking a consolation win in an otherwise disappointing tournament.