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Match Details
Date: 22nd October 2021
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Preview: After some exciting games where so much had been at stake for both sides, it's now time for the final group game of Round 1 of T20 World Cup 2021 between Sri Lanka and Netherlands, which will be a dead rubber. While Sri Lanka have already qualified for the next round, the Dutch side have been knocked out of the tournament. However, there is no doubt that both the teams will still give their everything with so many players on either sides looking for an opportunity to make an impression in front of the whole world, in the ongoing mega event.
Head to head:
Pitch Report: The action has shifted to Sharjah for the final day of the group stages of T20 World Cup 2021 and this will be the second contest at this venue, after an afternoon game. The wicket at Sharjah proved to be quite slow and sluggish during the recently-concluded season of IPL and batting proved to be quite a challenge for everyone.
The powerplay overs could prove to be game-changing phase of the match and this is when Sri Lanka could get an advantage with some explosive batters in their side. It must also be noted that the boundaries are very short at this venue and it will favour Dasun Shanaka's side who have power-hitters like Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando in their side. A total of 150-160 in first innings could prove to be quite competitive in Sharjah.
Team Analysis:
Sri Lanka - After securing 2 wins in 2 matches, Sri Lanka have already confirmed their berth in the Super 12. They would be hoping to keep the momentum going on ahead of some big games and would want to wrap up the group stages with another win. Pathum Nissanka and Wandindu Hasaranga hit impressive fifties in the previous match and they look like a force to reckon with under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka. They have an X-Factor in form of spinner Maheesh Theekshana who could wreak havoc once again and Netherlands' batsmen need to be wary of him.
Netherlands - The Dutch side became the first team to get knocked out of the tournament, courtesy SL's win and their disappointing loss against Namibia. Although their batters bounced back after failure in first match to post a competitive total, Netherlands' bowling let them down as Namibia hunted down the 167-run target. While their dreams of going through are done and dusted, Pieter Seelar's side would be hoping to bid adieu with a strong and fearless performance against a strong Sri Lankan side.
Squads:
Sri Lanka - Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Perera (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando
Netherlands - Pieter Seelaar (c), Max O’Dowd, Ben Cooper , Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Ryan ten Doeschate, Scott Edwards (wk), Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Fred Klaassen, Brandon Glover, Stephan Myburgh, Philippe Boissevain, Paul van Meekeren, Timm van der Gugten
Conclusion: Considering the form of two sides and the quality of players at their disposal, there is no doubt that Sri Lanka are strong favourites going into this contest as they look to make 3 in 3 for themselves in the mega event.
Match Prediction:
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