'We should have gotten over the line' - Scott Edwards 'disappointed' after Netherlands fall short in 214 chase

Skipper Scott Edwards expressed his disappointment after Netherlands lost to Sri Lanka by 21 runs in the ongoing ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2023. Notably, the Dutch restricted the Dasun Shanaka-led side to 213 runs, and thus, the team was expected to get the job done and move an inch closer to the final, but a batting collapse eventually derailed their momentum as the Lankan Lions are now one win away from booking their spot in the marquee tournament.

Speaking about their performance, Edwards stated that Wesley Barresi’s run-out proved to be extremely costly as the 39-year-old was looking in great form. He added that the team had a pretty good start, but Sri Lanka bowlers made a strong comeback, which the Netherlands had no answer to.

“Disappointing for us. At the halfway mark, we thought they were definitely under par, it was probably a 250-260 wicket. We had a good start. Credit to them, they bowled well in that little patch there and we couldn't get over the line. We bowled well throughout the whole innings. We were disappointing with the bat. A run-out like that or a great piece of fielding can change the game a little bit. We bat deep, we should have gotten over the line,” Edwards said in the post-match presentation. 

“I look at the field and see what it is. They are quality bowlers, you got to find a way to put pressure on them. Going into the game, we knew we had 11 guys who can bat. All the way, I was confident. There was a bit of reverse at the end there and a bit of spin. I back those boys. We'll go back and see what we could have done better. We'll do what we can do to win our next two games and see what happens from there. Dhananjaya batted exceptionally well, didn't give us many chances and sometimes on those wickets, there's going to be those partnerships,” he added.

Notably, the Netherlands will next take on Oman in order to keep their hopes alive for qualification. Meanwhile, even though it’s difficult on paper, the team will back themselves to get the job done.