1996 winners Sri Lanka booked their spot at the upcoming 2023 World Cup in India as they beat hosts Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Both teams had been unbeaten in the qualifiers coming into this game, but Chris Silverwood’s sided, aided by some fine bowling from Dilshan Madhushanka and Maheesh Theekshana, were too strong for the hosts as they ran out winners by nine wickets.
Sri Lanka show their class after Dutch scare
There were many folks who felt Sri Lanka should’ve lost to the Netherlands in their previous game. The Dutch were coasting at 88/2 after 14 overs chasing 214, with Wesley Barresi having hit Wanindu Hasaranga out of the attack. However a needless run out saw Barresi go back to the pavillion and exposed the inexperienced Dutch middle order to Theekshana, who duly took advantage. Another needless run out, that of Shariz Ahmad, hurt Dutch chances even more, and despite Scott Edwards’ fighting half-century, the Netherlands fell short by 21 runs. Time was not a concern- they had been bowled out inside 40 overs, but it was a lucky win, and Sri Lanka knew they had some Dutch inexperience and lack of composure in big moments to thank for their victory.
Zimbabwe still on course for WC spot, but there could be a 3 way tie
More than the defeat, it’s the margin of victory that hurt Zimbabwe here. From a comfortable +0.752, their run rate fell to +0.030. But a quick look at the odds at IxBet suggest that Zimbabwe are still favourites to join Sri Lanka in India later this year. 1xBet also have a casino section for those interested- some of the scenarios that could play out in the Super Six feel a bit like Russian roulette!
Beat Scotland in their next game, and Zimbabwe will 100% go through. Even if they lose to Scotland (who are slightly ahead of them on NRR), but not by a big margin, the Scots still have to tackle Netherlands, who themselves are in the running after beating Oman, albeit with a poorer net run rate. Zimbabwe would ideally not like to leave this to chance though, and they should certainly back themselves on home territory against Scotland.
Things would’ve been easier if they had kept their run rate healthy against the Lankans. When Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza were at the crease, Zimbabwe looked comfortable, and were 98/3 and 127/4 in their innings, but crumbled to 169 all out, and worse, only batted 32.2 overs. Sri Lanka finished their chase in 33.1 overs, with Pathum Nissanka getting into some much needed form with a fine century.
Given their healthy net run rate, Sri Lanka are all but certain to finish top of the table, but they have one final match against former two-time champions West Indies, who will be playing for pride after crashing out of the qualifiers following losses to the Dutch, Zimbabwe and Scotland.