Watch: Maheesh Theekshana claimed two wickets in an over to help Sri Lanka turn around a tight contest against Netherlands and keep their hopes of Cricket World Cup qualification on track.
Sri Lanka had recovered from 97-6 to post 213, with Theekshana’s 28 aiding Dhananjaya de Silva (91) in a lower-order fightback. But with Netherlands bouncing back from two wickets in their first seven balls to 88-2, it looked as if an upset was on the cards. And while a run-out and a wicket for Wanindu Hasaranga changed the complexion somewhat, an equation of 86 runs needed with six wickets in hand favoured the Associate side.
It was then that Theekshana struck his first blow, bowling Bas de Leede through the gate. In his next over he struck gold twice more, with two more straight balls bringing a pair of wickets, lbw and bowled. Within the space of eight balls, he had conceded no runs, claimed three wickets, and completely altered the course of the game.
While Netherlands fought back through captain Scott Edwards, who made an unbeaten half-century, they were unable to get over the line, leaving Sri Lanka in pole position to qualify for this October’s World Cup in India.
