Sri Lanka registered a 3-wicket win in their first warmup game against Netherlands in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, played today (13th June) at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Sri Lankan Skipper Dasun Shanaka opted to bowl first after winning the toss, and the decision turned out to be gold as they could restrict the Netherlands top order for 31/4 at the end of the first 10 overs.
However, middle order batter Teja Nidamanuru built half-century stands with Netherlands Skipper Scott Edwards and Saqib Zulfiqar for the 5th and 6th wickets respectively to revive their innings.
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Zulfiqar (56) and Nidamanuru (48) top scored for Netherlands as they posted 214 runs in 45.3 overs.
The speedster Kasun Rajitha and Dhananjaya de Silva stood out with the ball for the islanders, picking up 3 wickets each.
In reply, Sri Lanka faced early an setback, losing the opening batter Pathum Nissanka inside the first 4 overs. Dimuth Karunaratne steadied the innings with a patient knock of 47 runs, but lost regular wickets at the other end, creating some panic at the middle.
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However, Shanaka played a blinder coming down the order to put Sri Lanka over the line. Shanaka stroked an unbeaten 67 runs as Sri Lanka chased down the target in the 38th over with 3 wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka will play USA in their second warmup game on the 15th June in Bulawayo.
Brief Scores
Netherlands – 214 (45.3) Saqib Zulfiqar 56, Teja Nidamanuru 48, Scott Edwards 36, Kasun Rajitha 3/18, Dhananjaya de Silva 3/18, Maheesh Theekshana 2/36
Sri Lanka – 215/7 (37.1) Dasun Shanaka 67*, Dimuth Karunaratne 47, Kusal Mendis 27, Chamika Karunaratne 16
Result – Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets
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