Sri Lanka secured their spot in the Super Six stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers by beating Ireland by 133 runs in match number 15. It was a historic day for Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who became only the second player after Waqar Younis to take three consecutive ODI five-fers. Hasaranga ended Ireland’s Super Six hopes by registering figures of 5/79, grabbing the big wickets of Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector.
Ireland won the toss and decided to bowl first, but Dimuth Karunaratne had other ideas. The opener smashed a run-a-ball 103, while Sadeera Samarawickrama contributed 82 off 86. Their 168-run stand for the third wicket shattered Ireland’s hopes of containing the Sri Lankan batsmen. The lower-order failed to impress, but Sri Lanka still ended up with an impressive total of 325 in 49.5 overs.
In their chase, Ireland never got going and were all out for 192 in 31 overs. Curtis Campher top-scored with 39, but not a single Irish batter could register a half-century. Hasaranga, the star of the match, got the big wickets and claimed the last one by dismissing Josh Little. This win secured Sri Lanka’s spot in the Super Six.
In match number 16 of the World Cup 2023 Qualifiers, Scotland beat Oman by 76 runs at the Bulawayo Athletic Club. Brandon McMullen smashed 136 off 121 balls, while skipper Richie Berrington chipped in with 60 off 62 to lead Scotland to 320 in 50 overs. Chris Greaves’ 5/53 then rattled Oman and restricted them to 244/9 in 50 overs. Both Scotland and Oman qualified for the Super Six, but Ireland were knocked out after losing to Sri Lanka.
It was a thrilling day of Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, where some of the world’s top teams battled it out for a place in the next stage. The day belonged to Wanindu Hasaranga, whose exceptional bowling skills shattered Ireland’s hopes and confirmed Sri Lanka’s place in the Super Six. With Scotland and Oman also booking their spots, cricket fans can look forward to some exciting clashes in the coming days.
