Sri Lanka opened their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 account with a solid 6-wicket win over the Netherlands in Lucknow, India. Pathum Nissanka (42) and Kusal Mendis (39) laid a solid foundation for the Sri Lankan chase, while Charith Asalanka (59) and Dasun Shanaka (31*) helped them to cross the finish line.
Sri Lanka entered the match as favorites, but the Netherlands put up a spirited fight. They won the toss and elected to bat first, and posted a competitive total of 282 in 49.5 overs. Logan van Beek was the star of the show for the Netherlands, scoring a brilliant 76.
The Sri Lankan bowlers bowled well, but they were also helped by the Dutch batsmen’s careless dismissals. The Dutch batsmen gave away too many soft wickets, which made it difficult for them to post a big total.
The Sri Lankan chase got off to a good start, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting on a 75-run partnership for the first wicket. However, Mendis was dismissed cheaply, and the Sri Lankans lost a few quick wickets.
Charith Asalanka then played a brilliant innings to revive the Sri Lankan chase. He hit six fours and two sixes in his 59-run knock, and he helped the Sri Lankans to cross the finish line.
Dasun Shanaka also played a valuable innings, scoring 31 runs not out. He helped Asalanka to take Sri Lanka to victory, and he was named the Player of the Match.
Sri Lanka’s bowling performance
The Sri Lankan bowlers bowled well throughout the match. They were able to take wickets at regular intervals, and they never let the Dutch batsmen get away from them.
Chamika Karunaratne was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers. He took three wickets for 51 runs, and he was also able to bowl some tight overs.
Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga also bowled well, and they were able to pick up two wickets each.
Pathum Nissanka’s innings
Pathum Nissanka played a very good innings for Sri Lanka at the top of the order. He scored 42 runs off 71 balls, and he hit six fours.
Nissanka was able to see off the new ball, and he gave the Sri Lankans a solid platform to build on. He also played some good shots, and he was able to rotate the strike effectively.
Nissanka’s innings was very important for Sri Lanka, and it helped them to win the match.
Charith Asalanka’s innings
Charith Asalanka played a match-winning innings for Sri Lanka in the middle order. He scored 59 runs off 75 balls, and he hit six fours and two sixes.
Asalanka came to the crease when Sri Lanka were in a bit of trouble. They had lost a few quick wickets, and they were in danger of losing the match.
Asalanka was able to calm things down, and he started to build a partnership with Dasun Shanaka. He played some very good shots, and he was able to rotate the strike effectively.
Asalanka’s innings was very important for Sri Lanka, and it helped them to win the match.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka opened their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 account with a solid 6-wicket win over the Netherlands. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis laid a solid foundation for the Sri Lankan chase, while Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka helped them to cross the finish line.
The match was a good example of how competitive the Cricket World Cup is. Any team can beat any other team on a given day. The Netherlands showed that they are a team to be reckoned with, and they will be looking to continue their good form in the tournament.
Sri Lanka will be happy with their start to the tournament. They played well in all three departments, and they were able to get the job done. They will be looking to continue their good form in their next match against England.