Sri Lanka earn first Cricket World Cup win after chasing down Netherlands

Sri Lanka earn first Cricket World Cup win after chasing down Netherlands

Sri Lanka finally got off the mark in the 2023 Cricket World Cup with a five-wicket win over the Netherlands on Saturday, October 21st. The victory was a much-needed one for the Lankans, who had lost their first two matches of the tournament.

The Netherlands batted first and posted a competitive total of 262, thanks largely to a 130-run partnership between Sybrand Engelbrecht and Logan van Beek. The Dutch were struggling at 91 for six at one stage, but the recovery from Engelbrecht and van Beek helped them to reach a respectable total.

Sri Lanka got off to a good start in their chase, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting on 95 runs for the first wicket. Nissanka was eventually dismissed for 51, but Mendis went on to score a half-century before being dismissed for 65.

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka then put on a crucial 80-run partnership for the third wicket to keep Sri Lanka on track. Samarawickrama was eventually dismissed for 91, but Asalanka finished unbeaten on 75 to guide Sri Lanka to victory.

The victory was a much-needed one for Sri Lanka, who had been under pressure after their two opening defeats. The win keeps them alive in the tournament, and they will now be hoping to build on this momentum and qualify for the semi-finals.

Match summary

*Netherlands: 262 all out in 49.4 overs (Sybrand Engelbrecht 71, Logan van Beek 71)

*Sri Lanka: 263 for 5 in 48.2 overs (Charith Asalanka 75*, Sadeera Samarawickrama 91, Kusal Mendis 65)

*Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets

*Player of the match: Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)