In a thrilling showdown at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, Sri Lanka delivered a commanding performance in Match 38 of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Despite being out of contention for the knockout stages, Sri Lanka found their form, demolishing the Netherlands by 83 runs. The match saw Sri Lanka posting a formidable 201/6, a score reminiscent of their golden days, while the Netherlands faltered spectacularly, being bowled out for a mere 118.

First Innings: Sri Lanka’s Batting Highlights

Powerplay analysis

Sri Lanka’s innings started on a shaky note with Pathum Nissanka departing for a silver duck in the very first over. This early setback placed immediate pressure on the team.

Kusal Mendis, joined by Kamindu Mendis, began the rescue operation. Kamindu dazzled briefly with some eye-catching strokes, contributing 17 runs before being dismissed in the sixth over. By the end of the powerplay, Sri Lanka was at 45/2.

The initial six overs were a mixed bag for Sri Lanka. The loss of two wickets early on put them on the back foot, but the Mendis duo’s effort provided a much-needed foundation. The powerplay concluded with Sri Lanka positioned at a cautious yet steady 45/2.

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Middle Overs

Post-powerplay, Kusal Mendis teamed up with Dhananjaya de Silva to rebuild the innings. The pair adeptly maneuvered the ball around, capitalizing on loose deliveries and maintaining a steady run rate. Their partnership of 45 runs was crucial in steadying the ship.

Their tactical approach during the middle overs set the stage for a solid total. Kusal Mendis eventually fell for a well-played 46 in the 12th over, ending a pivotal partnership that had laid a strong platform for the later batters.

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Death Overs: Explosive Finish

Charith Asalanka took charge following Mendis’ departure, unleashing a barrage of powerful shots. His rapid 46 off 21 balls injected much-needed momentum into Sri Lanka’s innings.

Despite Dasun Shanaka’s golden duck in his milestone 100th T20I, Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga provided a late-innings flourish. Mathews scored an unbeaten 30 off 15 balls, while Hasaranga smashed 20 off just 6 balls, propelling Sri Lanka to an imposing 201/6.

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Second Innings: Netherlands’ Response

The Netherlands began their chase with a promising 45-run stand in just 4.3 overs. Max O’Dowd and Michael Levitt looked comfortable, with Levitt leading the charge.

However, the tide turned quickly when Nuwan Thushara dismissed O’Dowd in the fifth over, followed by Maheesh Theekshana removing Levitt for 31 off 23 balls in the next over.

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Middle Overs Collapse

Following the openers’ departure, the Dutch innings crumbled from 47/2 to a dismal 82/7. Thushara and Theekshana’s bowling spells wreaked havoc, dismantling the middle order.

Thushara, leading the attack, was supported effectively by skipper Wanindu Hasaranga. Their combined efforts ensured a steady fall of wickets, leaving the Netherlands in a dire situation.

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Final Overs and Dutch Collapse

The latter part of the Dutch innings saw no respite as Sri Lankan bowlers tightened the noose. Scott Edwards’ valiant 31 off 24 balls couldn’t stave off the inevitable, as the Netherlands collapsed to 118 all out.

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Key Performers: Batting and Bowling

Charith Asalanka’s explosive batting and Thushara’s incisive bowling were pivotal in Sri Lanka’s dominant performance. Contributions from Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, and Hasaranga further bolstered their side.

Despite the overall dismal performance, Michael Levitt and Scott Edwards were the standout players for the Netherlands, showing glimpses of resistance.