The Netherlands will face Sri Lanka in the first match of the doubleheader to be played at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow on 21st October 2023. It promises to be an exciting match as the Dutch registered a famous win over South Africa by 38 runs at Dharamshala.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka suffered a 5-wicket loss to Australia and is currently at the bottom of the points table. Both teams would be looking for a good performance as Lankan Lions would be hoping for their first victory while Netherlands will prove their worth with another superb pitch at Lucknow.
Both teams have good quality players who can change the course of the game with their abilities and help their country win the match.
Here we look at the 5 Players To Watch Out For
- Kusal Perera
The stylish left-handed batter Kusal Perera had a brilliant outing against Australia. He looked in good touch putting pressure on the Aussies with an attacking mindset that kept the bowlers under pressure.
Perera kept the momentum going along with Nissanka taking on Adam Zampa keeping the scoreboard ticking and not allowing them to settle. He would be hoping for a good start against the Netherlands bowlers that would Sri Lanka post or chase down the target easily.
Kusal would look to dominate the Netherlands bowlers and ensure that Sri Lanka register their first victory in the World Cup 2023.
- Scott Edwards
The Netherlands captain led from the front with a captain knock against South Africa. He came to the crease with the scoreboard reading 82 for 5. He showed his class with a brilliant knock playing with his tail keeping the pressure on bowlers.
It was a superb knock by Edwards remaining not out on 78 that helped Netherlands to post 245 for 8 in 43 overs. His innings allowed them to keep pressure with an attacking mindset against the pacers and spinners.
He would be hoping to play other captain’s knocks that would create pressure on Sri Lankan bowling and allow Netherlands to produce a stunning win. For his captain’s knock, Edwards was named the player of the match award.
- Kusal Mendis
The Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis could not score big runs against Australia. After an excellent opening partnership, the Lankan Lions kept losing wickets at regular intervals put pressure and could only pose 210.
Mendis would be eager to showcase his domination over the Netherlands side. Coming at number 3, his role is to play attacking shots and keep the momentum going for Sri Lanka which would help them to post or chase down the target.
Kusal Mendis will play a key role in hitting shots and keep the scoreboard ticking making life tough for Netherlands bowlers.
- Paul Van Meekeren
Paul Van Meekeren had a decent outing in the previous match against Sri Lanka. He dismissed Aiden Markram with beauty and then dismissed the dangerous David Miller. His bowling put the South African batters under immense pressure with disciplined lines and lengths.
He ended with figures of 2 for 40 in 9 overs that helped Netherlands register a famous win. Van Meekeren would be hoping for another superb bowling performance in the first 10 overs and keep the Lankan openers under pressure. If Meekeren can provide the early breakthroughs, then it would be tough for Lankan batters to score runs easily.
- Dilshan Madushanka
The left-arm Dilshan Madhushanka had a dream spell for Sri Lanka against Australia. He bowled with great control getting wickets of Warner and Smith in quick succession to leave them in trouble. It was a good bowling effort by Madhushanka taking early wickets but there was no support from the other end.
Madhushanka is the leading wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in this World Cup so far. He would be hoping to provide early breakthroughs to put pressure on the Netherlands openers and then restrict them for a low total. He ended with figures of 3 for 38 in his 9 overs.
If he can provide early breakthroughs, then it would be easier for Lankan bowlers to restrict the Netherlands to a chaseable total.
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