Netherlands cruised to a 20-run victory over Sri Lanka in their T20 World Cup warm-up game played in Florida, USA on Tuesday. Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga’s quickfire 43 in just 15 balls was not enough to secure a win for Sri Lanka.

Netherlands, batting first, set a formidable target of 181 for 5 wickets in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka’s top order struggled, losing four wickets with just 30 runs on the board, and were eventually bowled out for 160 in 19 overs.

The Dutch innings saw a strong performance from their top-order batsmen. Pathum Nissanka (5), Kusal Mendis (4), and Kamindu Mendis (5) were dismissed early, while deputy skipper Charith Asalanka managed to score 12. Dhananjaya de Silva hit 31 off 22 balls, and skipper Wanindu Hasaranga made an explosive knock of 43 with five consecutive sixes. Former Skipper Dasun Shanaka contributed an unbeaten 35, and Angelo Mathews scored 15 off 17 balls. Young Dunith Wellalage added 7 runs in 11 balls, but despite these efforts, Sri Lanka fell short in reaching the target.

In the absence of key players Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka’s bowling department struggled to contain the Dutch batsmen. Nuwan Thushara and Dilshan Madushanka found it challenging, but leg spinner Dunith Wellalage stood out with an economical spell, conceding just 26 runs and taking one wicket in his 4 overs. Thushara took 1 for 48, Dilshan Madushanka 2 for 39, while Dunith Wellalage and Angelo Mathews also took one wicket each. Additionally, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva bowled wicket-less spells.

Both teams gained valuable insights from this warm-up match, allowing them to refine their strategies for the main tournament. The Netherlands will draw confidence from their victory, while Sri Lanka aims to bounce back and fine-tune their game plan for the crucial matches ahead, especially given the importance of their first match against South Africa on June 3 in the T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, who were at the IPL final as reserve players, are expected to join the Sri Lankan team soon. Sri Lanka is set to meet Ireland in their second warm-up game at the same venue in Florida tomorrow.