Harare: Sri Lanka crushed the Netherlands by 128 runs in the final to emerge as winners of the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier here on Sunday.
This was Sri Lanka's 10th consecutive ODI win.
Both the two teams had already qualified for the 50-over World Cup to be held in India from October 5 to November 19 later this year.
Sent in to bat, Sri Lanka could manage a moderate 233 in 47.5 overs. In reply, the Netherlands were bowled out for a mere 105 in 23.3 overs.
The Lankan batters got starts but failed to convert, barring No. 4 batter Sahan Arachchige, who scored a fine 57 from 71 balls with the help of four boundaries.
Among others, openers Pathum Nissanka (23) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (19) did not last long, while Kusal Mendis perished after making 43 off 52 balls with the help of five fours and one six.
Max O’Dowd’s 33 was the highlight of the Dutch innings as none of their batters could pose any challenge to the rampant Lankan bowlers. The right-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka (7-1-18-3) struck twice early while Maheesh Theekshana returned with figures of 6.3-1-31-4 to cause maximum damage.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 233 in 47.5 ovs (Kusal Mendis 43, Sahan Arachchige 57). Netherlands 105 in 23.3 ovs (Max O’Dowd 33; Dilshan Madushanka 3/18, Maheesh Theekshana 4/31, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/35). Sri Lanka won by 128 runs.
PTI
