In their final Group D match of the T20 World Cup, held at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia, Sri Lanka, though already eliminated, delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Netherlands by 83 runs on Sunday. Openers Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, both contributing vital scores of 46, propelled the 2014 champions to a formidable total of 201 for six, marking the first time a score exceeding 200 had been achieved in a T20 International at this venue.
With Bangladesh closing in on a low-scoring victory against Nepal in St Vincent, thus sealing their Super Eight berths, the Netherlands' hopes of advancing were swiftly dwindling. Despite a promising start, the Dutch side faltered, eventually being bowled out for 118 in just 16.4 overs.
Scott Edwards and Michael Levitt, both scoring 31, tried to anchor the Dutch innings, but the diverse and skilful Sri Lankan bowling attack proved too formidable. Leading the charge was pacer Nuwan Thushara, who claimed three wickets for 24 runs. Mendis set the early momentum with his rapid 46 off 29 balls, including five boundaries, while Asalanka matched him with a slightly faster 46 from 21 balls, featuring one boundary and five towering sixes, aided by strong winds at the northern tip of the island.
Logan van Beek, the grandson of former West Indies and New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Simpson "Sammy" Guillen, was the standout bowler for the Netherlands, taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries during his third over. However, his four-over spell was expensive, conceding 45 runs.
The Netherlands began their chase with a promising opening partnership of 45 runs in under five overs. Yet, once Nuwan Thushara dismissed Max O'Dowd, the innings began to unravel. The Dutch found themselves struggling at 69 for four after nine overs when news of Bangladesh's 21-run victory over Nepal sealed their fate, securing the final spot in the Super Eight. Thereafter, it was a matter of time before Sri Lanka completed their dominant win against the deflated Dutch side.