Following a humiliating defeat against New Zealand in the third ODI, Sri Lanka are officially out of the direct qualification for a berth in the ICC World Cup 2023.
After the loss, Sri Lanka are languishing behind West Indies in the World Cup Super League table for the final direct qualification spot with 81 points in their kitty. While Sri Lanka finished ninth in the table, West Indies are on the eighth spot with 88 points.
The Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lankan side will now visit Zimbabwe in June to compete in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. A victory in the tournament will ensure Sri Lanka’s spot in the main tournament to be held in India later this year.
In the third match against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton, Sri Lanka were skittled out for 157 in 41.3 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka (57, 64b, 8x4, 1x6) was the highest scorer for them. Mat Henry (3/14) was the pick of the bowlers for Kiwis.
In reply, New Zealand knocked off the target in 32.5 overs for the loss of four wickets with Will Young (86 no, 113b, 11x4) leading the run chase.
New Zealand are leading the World Cup Super League table with 175 points. Another top team who are fighting for the direct qualification is South Africa who are languishing on the 10th spot with 78 points.