Zimbabwe take on Sri Lanka in the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier. 

Zimbabwe’s quest of securing a direct World Cup spot with a win over Sri Lanka took a hit as the African side was bowled out for merely 165. So far, Sri Lanka haven’t conceded a single total in excess of 200 in this tournament.

A festive Sunday crowd was quietened after Zimbabwe lost their top-order in the powerplay overs. Dilshan Madushanka was the beneficiary on all three occasions. Perhaps, the biggest success for the sub-continental side was the wicket of skipper Craig Ervine, who nicked one behind the stumps in the seventh over. 

A festive Sunday crowd was quietened after Zimbabwe lost their top-order in the powerplay overs. Dilshan Madushanka was the beneficiary on all three occasions. Perhaps, the biggest success for the sub-continental side was the wicket of skipper Craig Ervine, who nicked one behind the stumps in the seventh over. 

Williams and Sikandar Raza soaked in the pressure and upped the scoring rate. Raza, in particular, went for a number of exquisite stroke after a conservative start. By the 18th over, the Chevrons were comfortably going at five runs an over.

Dasun Shanaka gave Sri Lanka an opening with Raza’s wicket in the 20th over. However, Zimbabwe respond fire with fire. Incoming Ryan Burl and Williams unleashed a series of brutal hits in the upcoming overs. The latter also brought up his fifty in this period of play, his fifth fifty-plus score in this period. 

However, Williams’ luck ran out in the 23rd over, when he was cleaned up by Maheesh Theekshana for 56. The off-spinner then also accounted for Burl in the 25th over to put Sri Lanka on top. 

Sri Lanka bowlers didn’t let up the pressure and continued going for wickets. Zimbabwe’s tailenders could only add 35 runs from the mid-innings mark. 

Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to take the field. He stated that the side would look to take advantage with the ball in the first 10 overs. Madushanka (3/15), Pathirana (2/18) and Theekshana (4/25) were the Sri Lanka stars with the ball. 

Source - ICC

-Agencies