Sharjah: Sri Lanka’s top-order top-order batsman, already ranked in the Super 12, will look to use his final Group A league match to return to form when they take on the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup here on Friday. The former champions easily outclassed Namibia and Ireland to make it to the tournament, but the lack of Kusal Perera and Dinesh Chandimal will be a concern for them. Both scored just 11 runs in the two matches and this kind of form will not help the team against stronger teams in the Super 12 stage. Playing without the pressure of qualifying should also help the batsmen as the Sri Lankan bowlers have prepared well for the big fight.
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The fast bowlers – Chamika Karunaratne and Dushmantha Chameera – have shown control over the length and match-winning leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has also drawn attention to their elements. Hasranga contributed not only with the ball but also with the bat and scored a scintillating 71 against Ireland on Wednesday night. There is off-spinner Mahesh Thekshana to make a lethal combination with him.
Both of them will try to assess the situation further. Talented inventor Fernando has put in a strong performance at No. 4 but he needs to be more consistent. Bhanuka Rajapaksa has also proved that he can change the game on his day. For Netherlands, it will be a chance to gain more experience while playing against the top team. The Dutch, on the other hand, are still not looking good enough for top flight cricket. The bowlers’ inexperience in handling the attack was evident when they easily let Namibia’s David Wiese snatch the match from them on Wednesday. The batting has also been a big disappointment for them, with only opener Max O’Dowd making a mark.
The failure of veteran Ryan ten Doeschate has hurt him the most. At least fighting a good fight in their final game, the Netherlands will have something to cheer about before leaving the UAE. Teams (from): Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nisanka, Charit Aslanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamika Karunaratne, Vanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chamira, Lahiru Kumara, Mahi Thikshana , Akila Dhananjaya, Binura Fernando Netherlands: Peter Seelar (c), Colin Ackerman, Philippe Boisven, Ben Cooper, Bass de Leed, Scott Edwards, Brandon Glover, Fred Klaasen, Stephan Myberg, Max O’Dowd, Ryan ten Dochet, Logan van Beek, Tim van der Guggen, Roelof van der Merwe and Paul van Meeckeren. The match will start at 7.30 pm.
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