The Sri Lankan cricket team, the 1996 champions, on Sunday, sealed their place in the World Cup in the ODI format by defeating Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the ongoing ICC Qualifier match here. Two teams have made it through the qualifying round. So far unbeaten Sri Lanka has eight points in the Super Six stage of the qualifiers. The ODI World Cup will be held from October 5. Second-placed Zimbabwe with six points from four matches are still in contention to qualify despite the loss but are facing challenges from Scotland and the Netherlands. Sri Lanka on Sunday bowled out Zimbabwe for 165 in 32.2 overs with the help of Mahish Tischanka (4/25) and Madushanka (3/15) and then Pathum Nissanka's unbeaten 101 to take one wicket in 33.1 overs. But won by scoring 169 runs.
With Sri Lanka qualifying and two-time world champions West Indies ousting a day earlier, the qualifiers still have a triangular contest between three teams Zimbabwe, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Zimbabwe has six points from four matches. A loss against Scotland in their final match could see Zimbabwe's exit from the tournament. Scotland have four points from three matches. The win against the West Indies boosted Scotland's chances of qualifying. If the team wins both its remaining matches then it can qualify. The Netherlands have two points from three matches and will need big wins in their remaining two matches against Oman and Scotland to make it to the World Cup. The net run rate can also play an important role in the competition between Zimbabwe, Scotland, and Netherlands.
(pc amarujala)
