SHARJAH: Round 1 match: Netherlands may have hoped for a consolation win today against Sri Lanka, but Sri Lanka was determined to finish off in style with consecutive three wins. Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets in the 7th over of the innings reaching 45-runs.
Sri Lankan bowlers were in a mood to display bowling brilliance today with a mix of lethal and mystery, bowling out Netherlands for a mere 44 runs in 10 overs. Only Colin Ackermann crawled to 11 runs, all others were out under single digit.
Wanindu Hasaranga wowed the spectators with 3 for 9 runs off 3 overs. Lahiru Kumara also grabbed 3 wickets for 7 runs off 3 overs. Maheesh Theekshana continued to impress picking up 2 wickets for 3 runs bowling just one over.
Netherlands collected only 44 runs, which is the 2nd lowest total in T20 world cup. Sri Lanka got Netherlands out for the lowest score of 39 runs in the 2014, T20 world cup. Lahiru Kumara was named the player of the match.
The only concern in the match for Sri Lanka, if at all was the Sri Lankan stunning opener Pathum Nissanka being out for zero off the bowling of Glover. Kusal Perera did come among the runs with a knock of 33 runs off 24 balls which is a relief for Sri Lanka who will be playing Bangladesh in their first Super 12s encounter on Sunday, October 24 at Sharjah.
As anticipated Sri Lanka tops the Group A points table with 6 points winning all three group matches similar to Scotland in Group B. With the closure of this match all Round 1 group matches are concluded, and Sri Lanka, Namibia, Scotland and Bangladesh qualify for the next round (Super 12s).
The Super 12s matches begin tomorrow (Saturday, October 23) with Australia facing South Africa and England against defending champions West Indies.
Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh on Sunday, October 24 while the most awaited India Vs Pakistan will also be on Sunday at 7.30pm. (RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]
