In their Super Six match on Sunday, Sri Lanka easily defeated Zimbabwe to clinch their spot at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023.
In just 33 overs, Maheesh Theekshana bowled out Zimbabwe for 165 runs, while Pathum Nissanka’s century propelled Dasun Shanaka’s team to a nine-wicket victory.
Nepal overcame the United Arab Emirates by three wickets in the second seventh-place play-off semi-final of the day’s other game because to some crucial lower-order hitting from Dipendra Singh Airee.
Sri Lanka’s victory is made possible by Theekshana and Nissanka.
After being given the opportunity to bat by Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe struggled in Bulawayo, losing Joylord Gumbie for a five-ball duck and Wessly Madhevere for one, leaving the Chevrons on eight for two.
Despite removing skipper Craig Ervine with his third morning wicket, Dilshan Madushanka also allowed the dangerous Sikandar Raza to join Sean Williams at the crease.
Raza exercised the restraint that the circumstance called for before Madushanka took a wonderful low catch to knock the all-rounder for 31 off 51 balls and end the 68-run partnership.
Williams made 56 before he was bowled by Theekshana, who later worked with Matheesha Pathirana (2/18) to clean up the tail.
Williams was unable to add to his back-to-back centuries, but he did reach back-to-back hundreds.
The final five batters for Zimbabwe scored only 38 runs, and their three wickets in six balls brought the hosts’ innings to an end after 32.2 overs.
Sri Lanka, commanded by Nissanka, made 165 in response.
