‘Greatest 91* in a WC’ – Fans react as Sadeera Samarawickrama’s magnificent knock guided Sri Lanka to their first win over Netherlands

Sadeera Samarawickrama’s magnificent knock guided Sri Lanka to their first win in the ODI World Cup 2023 against the Netherlands on October 21 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Notably, the Netherlands posted a decent total of 262 runs before getting all out. However, during the chase, Sri Lanka chased down the total with ten balls to spare and got their first win of the tournament.

Sri Lanka has lost its opening game against South Africa. Following that, Pakistan recorded a historic win over them, while Australia also got their first win after defeating Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, star batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama, who received Player of the Match, described his victory as a great win. The wicketkeeper-batsman talked about how desperately they needed this win after losing back-to-back three games in the ongoing marquee event.

“Happy to finish the game for my team. We needed a win, we haven’t done well in the last 3 games, so I wanted to win a game for my team and I am really happy,” Sadeera Samarawickrama said after the win.

The wicket was slow and the ball was gripping: Sadeera Samarawickrama

The 28-year-old cricketer’s basics had helped him secure his knock in the must-win game. In addition, the middle-order batsman reveals the plans and tactics he used in the play to get the wonderful knock. Moreover, the middle-order batsman felt that he had to fight hard to bat against the spinners during the play. The Colombo-born cricketer felt the wicket was slow and the ball was gripping during the chase.

“I did my basics right and hence succeeded. I knew it would be hard in the later part because the wicket was turning and gripping, my plan for others was also to bat deep and tell them we couldn’t chase this total in 40 overs. Today it was hard (to bat) against the spinners, the wicket was slow and the ball was gripping,” he added further.

Check out how fans have reacted to this win:

Greatest 91* in a WC 👏👏👏👏

— Himank (@hitmank45) October 21, 2023

Finally thoda maza ane wala hai.

— TalkHub (@neemeshp14) October 21, 2023

Finally SL WON His first match pic.twitter.com/qfUu4FPcm3

— HASSAN👑❤️ (@hassanwhy_) October 21, 2023

Congratulations to Sri Lanka

— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) October 21, 2023

Congratulations🎉🥳 lanka
Great player ❤
Well played orange🟠 army

— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) October 21, 2023

Finally! Congratulations Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 on your 1st World Cup win
Well played #SLvNED pic.twitter.com/e8f4hOfbEZ

— Sammy 𝕏 (@sammyX39) October 21, 2023

I happy with 🫶 netherlands🇳🇱 Great player ❤
Well played orange🟠 army

— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) October 21, 2023