Sri Lanka Thrash The Dutch In One-Sided Cricket World Cup Qualifier Final

ASHLEY DUBE 

Sri Lanka were crowned the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier champions following yet another dominant bowling display vs the Netherlands at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

Pic - ICC 

They bowled the Dutch out for a meagre 105, as they completed a flawless charge to the trophy. Sri Lanka won the match by 128 runs.

Dilshan Madhushanka was instrumental in the early stages of the Netherlands chase; and the left-arm seamer made a significant impact by taking three wickets by the ninth over, while Wanindu Hasaranga also contributed with two wickets by the 12th over.

Later in the game, Maheesh Theekshana took charge in the middle overs as he claimed four wickets, causing the Netherlands team to be dismissed for a measly total of 105 runs.

Earlier on Scott Edwards had won the toss and elected to bowl first fresh from the high of a scintillating chase against Scotland.

Vikramjit Singh made an impact by dismissing both openers during the first powerplay, but Kusal Mendis and Sahan Arachchige built a strong partnership over the next 13 overs.

Pic - ICC

As the scoring rate increased, Sri Lanka's dominance in the game grew, with the pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers.

The batsmen, particularly , used the sweep shot effectively against the spin bowlers particularly Saqib Zulfiqar. However, Netherlands managed to break the stand when Mendis was dismissed.

Arachchige reached his half-century milestone, while Charith Asalanka's quick 36 runs off the same number of balls set Sri Lanka up for a strong finish.

A sudden collapse in Sri Lanka's batting lineup allowed Netherlands to make a comeback in the contest as they restricted Sri Lanka for 235 which proved more to be more than sufficient.

Pic - ICC

Both Sri Lanka and the Netherlands will be present in India for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Although Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the Cricket World Cup there was some consolation: Sean Williams was named Player of the Tournament for his massive 600 wins (being the top-scorer in the tournament) and 3 wickets.