Sri Lanka secures spot in Men’s ODI World Cup with nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in qualifiers

A brilliant four-wicket haul from Maheesh Theekshana and an unbeaten hundred from Pathum Nissanka propelled Sri Lanka to a spot in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup with a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the Super Six stage of the qualifying tournament at Queen’s Sports Club night on Sunday.

Sri Lanka secures spot in Men’s ODI World Cup with nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in qualifiers. (Image: Facebook)

Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), July 2: A brilliant four-wicket haul from Maheesh Theekshana and an unbeaten hundred from Pathum Nissanka propelled Sri Lanka to a spot in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup with a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the Super Six stage of the qualifying tournament at Queen’s Sports Club night on Sunday.

In the morning, after Sri Lanka opted to bowl first, Sri Lanka maintained its clean sheet by not allowing any total over 200 in the ongoing tournament. Off spinner Theekshana shone 4-25, while left arm Dilshan took Madushanka 3-15 in his fiery opening spell to defeat Zimbabwe for just 165.

Chasing a modest 166, Nissanka led the way by hitting 14 fours in his unbeaten 101 off 102 balls and got some support from Dimuth Karunaratne (30) and Kusal Mendis (25 not out) to see Sri Lanka cross the line with nine wickets in hand and 101 balls left.

Apart from the win that consolidated their place at the top of the Super Six, 1996 World Cup winners Sri Lanka have ensured they remain among the top two teams at the end of the stage, securing their qualification for the ODI World Cup will be played in India from October 5 to November 19.

Short Scores: Zimbabwe 165 in 32.2 overs (Sean Williams 56, Sikandar Raza 31; Maheesh Theekshana 4-25, Dilshan Madushanka 3-15) lost to Sri Lanka 169/1 in 33.1 overs (Pathum Nissanka 101 not out, Dimuth Karunaratne 30; Richard Ngarava 1-35) with nine wickets