Sri Lanka defeated the Netherlands in the final of the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, both to the exhibition

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) Sri Lanka bundled out the Netherlands for 105 to win the final of the World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe by a mammoth 128 runs on Sunday.

It was not much of a disappointment for the Dutch, as both teams had already qualified for this year’s Under-50 Cricket World Cup in India in October-November by reaching Sunday’s final at the Harare Sports Club.

Sri Lanka added value by winning the tournament after another impressive performance by spin bowler Maheesh Theekshana. He collected 4-31 in 6.3 overs and took the last three wickets to end Netherlands hopes.

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 233 all out in 47.5 overs, short of themselves as Sahan Arachchige impressed with his 57 off 71 balls.

The Dutch collapsed in the chase in the final, lasting only 23.3. over, but have achieved their main goals Zimbabwe with a surprising late surge at the Super Six stage as they appeared out of the competition. Coach Ryan Cook said reaching the World Cup for the first time since 2011 should generate a little more interest in his team and the sport at home.

Hopefully we can pick up a sponsor or two and bring some revenue into the game, Cook said. The salary of the players is currently low compared to other countries. You need resources to do that.

“At the moment we only have one full member in the coaching team. Hopefully we will get resources for coaching as well.

Sri Lanka, the 1996 World Cup champions, won all eight of their games in the qualifiers to maintain their record in every Cricket World Cup since the tournament’s inception in 1975.

It’s tricky when you come to these races where everyone is fighting for the same ticket. “Strange things happen when the pressure is on,” Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood said. It was great that we have been able to overcome these challenges.

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Two-time World Cup champion in West Indies failed to accept and will be missed for the first time for exhibitions over 50 years old.

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