Sri Lanka avoided a T20 World Cup disaster and qualified for the Super 12 stage with a last-day win over the Netherlands.
The Dutch came into the final day of group play on top after a 2-0 start, with the Sri Lankans having lost to Namibia on the opening day and needing a win to stay in the tournament.
While Max O’Dowd batted through after opening and recorded 71 not out off 53 balls, it wasn’t enough with Roelof van der Merwe coming in at the end despite being clearly injured and barely able to run.
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He made desperate attempts to make it between the wickets in the final overs and on at least one occasion survived a run-out review.
“Tell you what, one of the reasons you play sport is to see Roelof van der Merwe trying to complete that run,” commentator Harsha Bhogle said.
“It was an impossible cause, but it was the largeness of his heart that was taking him there. He is braving the pain.”
Handscomb goes on run-fest: 281*! | 04:46
But Kusal Mendis’ 79 off 44 led Sri Lanka to 6-162 and the Dutch were unable to reach the total, finishing 9-146.
It means Sri Lanka advances to the next stage of the World Cup. They will win Group A if the UAE upsets Namibia on Thursday night – this would also allow the Netherlands to make it into the Super 12 stage.
If Namibia wins it would win the group with Sri Lanka second.
The Group A winner will face Australia on October 25 in Perth.
