In the final of the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2023, Sri Lanka defeated the Netherlands at the Harare Sports Club by 128 runs. Put in to bat, the Islanders posted a competitive total of 233 runs on the board before being bowled out in 47.5 overs.
Kusal Mendis played a vital innings, scoring 43 runs off 52 deliveries, including 5 fours and 1 six. However, it was Sahan Arachchige who sizzled with the bat smashing 57 runs off 71 balls, hitting 4 fours. Other notable contributions came from Charith Asalanka (36 runs) and Wanindu Hasaranga (29 runs).
The Netherlands bowlers put up a commendable effort, with Logan van Beek and Ryan Klein taking 2 wickets each. Vikramjit Singh also made an impact with 2 wickets, while Aryan Dutt claimed 1 wicket.
Chasing a target of 234 runs, the Netherlands struggled against a strong Sri Lankan bowling attack and were bowled out for just 105 runs in 23.3 overs. Max O’Dowd top-scored with 33 runs off 63 deliveries, including 1 four and 1 six. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, with no other batters crossing the 20-run mark.
Dilshan Madushanka and Maheesh Theekshana were the standout performers with the ball for Sri Lanka, taking 3 and 4 wickets respectively. Hasaranga contributed with 2 wickets, while the other bowlers also kept the pressure on the Dutch batters. In the end, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by a massive margin of 128 runs.
