Scott Edwards:
(How he reflects on the entire tournament) Obviously it is a high-intensity tournament. Pretty proud of the way the boys have played. We have played good cricket for a majority of the games and excited about the next few months. (On today) Credit to our bowlers, we kept them to a score that we felt we could chase. We had to play their spinners better and we did not do that.
(On the positives from the tournament) The way the guys got around each other, the culture in the group has been amazing. Zimbabwe is a beautiful place to be and that has helped us. Our batters have been good throughout the tournament. Guys stepped up when they had to and that is why we are heading to India. (Any particular moment that was the turning point) That West Indies chase – we took a lot of confidence from that. Even chasing 280 in 44 overs, we sort of had the blueprint from that WI game.
That was a turning point for us and we kept the ball rolling from there. (On what it does for Dutch cricket) It is obviously massive for our guys and for our supporters back home. The opportunity to play in a ten-team World Cup is massive for us. We will lap it up and hopefully put in a few good performances there (in India).
Dasun Shanaka:
(Plans before the tournament) Prior to this tournament, we had a good series against Afghanistan. Coming here, everyone in our team wanted to prove that we are a better side than to play the qualifiers. We wanted to put up our best performances. Only concern was injuries. Apart from that, we had full control in every game and in every situation. The top order, middle order, the bowlers – everyone performed very well. (On the spinners) For a while, I have been playing with them so I know the time when to use them.
Chris and Mahela was there to support us. We prepare the plans pretty early. Even in the World Cup, they will play a big role for Sri Lanka. (On how his team dealt with pressure) There was pressure but none of the other management, or myself allowed the pressure to come to the team room. That was the best thing. The environment was really good and it helped for the mentality and eventually, the performance.
(What this means to Sri Lanka) We never wanted to play a qualifier tournament and that is what the rest of the boys believe. Playing the qualifiers puts pressure and winning it is a big thing (for us). I want to thank Cricket Zimbabwe for organizing this tournament, and all the Zimbabwean fans, Sri Lankan fans in Zimbabwe and all our supporters around the world.
Sean Williams is the Player of the Tournament! Sikandar Raza collects the award on his behalf.
Dilshan Madushanka, Player of the Match:
(On his role in the team) Happy to be the Player of the Match in the final. I have been trusting my basics and trying to take wickets with the new ball. That is my role and I am trying to do that. I have learnt a lot from Kasun Rajitha and he has helped me a lot.
Sri Lanka vs Netherlands Highlights today, Sunday 9-7-2023. ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier Final, Harare Sports Club.
Toss: Netherlands chose to field.
Sri Lanka team: Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis †, Sahan Arachchige, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka.
Netherlands team: Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Wesley Barresi, Teja Nidamanuru, Noah Croes, Scott Edwards (c)†, Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Clayton Floyd, Ryan Klein, Aryan Dutt.
Head to Head In ODI’s: 4
Sri Lanka Won: 4
Netherlands Won: 0
Sri Lanka ODI Rankings: 8th
Netherlands ODI Rankings: 15th
Form guide
(last five completed ODI’s, most recent first)
Sri Lanka WWWWW
Netherlands WWLWW
Match Timings: 7:00 AM GMT | 9:00 AM Local
Umpires – Alex Wharf, Gregory Brathwaite
TV Umpire – Asif Yaqoob
Match Referee – Shaid Wadvalla
Reserve Umpire – Langton Rusere
Match number – ODI no. 4620
