In their cut-throat clash against the Netherlands on Thursday in Geelong, Sri Lanka won by 16 runs and progressed to the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup.
At Kardinia Park, Sri Lanka was slow after they decided to bat first winning the toss.
The Netherlands bowling attack bowled remarkably well to restrict the island nation to 60 runs after the first 10 overs. Sri Lanka has nothing to do but press the accelerator to go up and post a challenging total.
Riding on the well-composed and watchful 79 off just 44 balls by the wicketkeeper batter Kusal Mendis, they posted a big total of 162 for six in 20 overs. It was enough for Sri Lanka to offer a tough time for the Netherlands.
In reply, the Netherlands did well but fell short of 16 runs while facing a quality bowling attack from Sri Lanka which is well-mixed with spinners and pace bowlers who recently won the Asia Cup in the UAE.
Max O'Dowd was the tragic hero of the Netherlands. He made 71 off 53 deliveries and remained not out but his team failed to seal the game, reports UNB.
Wanindu Hasaranga bagged three wickets conceding 28 runs while Maheesh Theekshana scalped two.
It was Sri Lanka's second win after the shocking defeat to Namibia in their event opener.
After the defeat to Sri Lanka, the Netherlands' chances of qualifying for the Super 12 will now depend on the outcome of the match between Namibia and the United Arab Emirates. Only a win for the UAE can help them qualify for the next leg.
