Sri Lanka qualify for ICC World Cup 2023 after thumping 9-wicket win over Zimbabwe

By India Today Sports Desk: Sri Lanka have turn out to be the primary staff from the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers to qualify for the primary match after registering a complete nine-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club on Sunday.

Earlier, Maheesh Theekshana’s 4 wickets helped Sri Lanka dismiss Zimbabwe for 165 runs in 32.2 overs. Zimbabwe batted poorly, shedding early wickets and struggling to get well. Sean Williams scored 56 runs and Sikandar Raza with an necessary 31-run knock. Zimbabwe’s innings crumbled after each batsmen had been dismissed, they usually had been skittled for 165 runs. Dilshan Madushanka took three wickets for Sri Lanka, whereas Theekshana took 4. Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated, as Zimbabwe’s innings crumbled.

Sri Lanka obtained off to a strong begin in pursuit of Zimbabwe’s paltry 165 runs, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne displaying a cautious strategy within the first overs. They steadily constructed their innings earlier than shifting gears to attain runs at an inexpensive charge. The duo took benefit of free deliveries, sending them to the boundary and conserving the scoreboard ticking.

Despite Zimbabwe’s bowlers’ efforts, Nissanka emerged because the extra aggressive of the 2 openers. He batted confidently and authoritatively, ultimately reaching his tenth ODI half-century. Karunaratne, then again, offered strong help and useful runs to the collaboration. Ngarava claimed Karunaratne’s wicket to carry their partnership to an finish. Meanwhile, Karunaratne had scored 30 runs earlier than being dismissed. Sri Lanka had already scored 103 runs by the point the partnership was damaged.

Nissanka and Mendis fashioned a formidable partnership that took management of the sport and guided Sri Lanka to victory. Nissanka displayed elegant type all through his innings, taking part in with confidence and aggression. He remained unbeaten till the tip, finishing his well-deserved second ODI century with a boundary, whereas Mendis supported him from the opposite finish and remained unbeaten on 25 runs.