By Srian Obeyesekere

Sri Lanka suffered a shock 20-run defeat to lesser-known Netherlands in their first warm-up match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 yesterday at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida.

Chasing the Dutch team’s target of 182, The Lankans were dismissed for 161 runs in 18.5 overs chasing Netherlands 182 with skipper Wanindu Hasaranga’s decision to put the Dutch in to bat first misfiring despite a valiant 43 off 15 balls by him which could not prevent the Netherlands from coming on top. Dasun Shanaka made and unbeaten 35 off 20 and Dhananjaya de Silva 31 off 22.

Both teams have one more warm-up game ahead.

Sri Lanka will next take on Ireland in Florida on May 31 while the Netherlands will take on Canada in Texas, also on May 31.