In a stunning display of resilience, Adeera Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 91 led Sri Lanka to their first triumphant win in the 2023 World Cup, as they secured a comfortable five-wicket victory over the Netherlands in Lucknow. Initially facing a challenging task with the Netherlands posting 262 runs, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis-led side made an impressive comeback, thanks in no small part to a crucial partnership between Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka.
At the halfway mark, the Netherlands seemed to have the upper hand, thanks to a middle-order rescue act by Sybrand Engelbrecht (70) and Logan van Beek (59). Nevertheless, a run-a-ball fifty by Nissanka at the top of the order set the stage for Sri Lanka’s fightback. Nissanka’s third consecutive World Cup fifty provided the platform for Samarawickrama to steady the ship after the early dismissals of Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis. Although Nissanka fell to a catch behind off Paul van Meekeren’s bowling, Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka’s partnership of 77 runs ensured Sri Lanka’s path to victory despite a quality spell of bowling from Aryan Dutt.
Samarawickrama, who played with patience, showcased his skill with seven boundaries in his 107-ball innings. A crucial 76-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva ultimately sealed the victory for Sri Lanka.
The Netherlands’ innings had a rocky start as they found themselves at 91 for 6. However, a remarkable 130-run partnership between Engelbrecht and van Beek, which is now the highest for the seventh wicket or below in World Cups, changed the course of the game. It all began with Kasun Rajitha’s early strikes and Dilshan Madushanka’s breakthroughs, pushing the Netherlands into deeper trouble. But Engelbrecht and van Beek displayed remarkable resilience, steering the innings with singles and couples, and both achieving their maiden ODI half-centuries.
The breakthrough for Sri Lanka came in the 46th over when Engelbrecht missed a scoop against Madushanka’s yorker. The Netherlands, at 221/6, eventually concluded their innings at 262, with Rajitha and Madushanka taking four wickets each.
In summary, Samarawickrama’s heroics and Sri Lanka’s remarkable comeback secured a well-deserved victory, marking an unforgettable moment in the 2023 World Cup.
