If the Cricket World Cup Qualifier Tournament in Zimbabwe, which concluded in Harare on Sunday with unbeaten Sri Lanka emerging as champions, proved anything to the world it is that more than 10 teams deserve to be playing in the main event.

The final itself was an anti-climax with Sri Lanka bowling the Netherlands out for just 105 to win by a whopping 128 runs but it was always destined to be the least significant match of the tournament with the two finalists having already achieved their primary goal of reaching the World Cup in India in October and November.

The Netherlands qualified with a superior nut run-rate to Zimbabwe and Scotland but all three deserved to be at the World Cup on the basis of their wonderful performances while the woeful West Indies should always be at World Cups.

The global game will be a poorer place if cricket in the Caribbean fades away.

See you in India ????????#CWC23 pic.twitter.com/70YlyVuzuZ

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 9, 2023

Sri Lanka were always expected to breeze through the Qualifiers and duly did so with some powerful and compelling performances with bat and ball but, ironically, their superiority will not provide the abiding memories because the unexpected will always trump the predictable in the collective sporting memory.

The Netherlands have enjoyed some spectacular moments in their cricketing history but ‘moments’ were never going to be enough to reach the final of a tournament as arduous as this one.

They were consistent throughout and avoided the ‘crashes’ which have been as much a part of their playing history as the peaks.

Matching the West Indies’ 364 and winning the resultant Super Over was an astonishing performance by the Dutch but they still had to beat Scotland, who thrashed the West Indies by seven wickets, to reach the final.

That they did so was due to one of the great individual ODI performances from all rounder Bas de Leede.

De Leede was the only one of eight Dutch players who insisted on being at the tournament despite having an English county contract.

Likely squad members, Fred Klaasen, Paul van Meekeren, Brandon Glover, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Shane Snater and Timm van der Gugten were all denied a ‘release’ from their counties while the Vitality Blast T20 tournament was taking place.

But de Leede, who is contracted to Durham, put his employment in jeopardy by insisting on his availability for the trip to Zim.

It helped, of course, that Durham head coach, Ryan Campbell, was the Dutch national captain until six months ago: “He’s a passionate and patriotic Dutchman so he didn’t really give us a choice,” said Campbell. “We all hope he does well in the tournament and comes back to do even better for us.”

De Leede took 5-52 as Scotland posted a highly competitive 277-9 and then, with the target needing to be chased in just 44 overs in order to overtake Scotland’s NRR, scored a breathtaking 123 from just 92 balls with seven fours and five sixes to reach the target with seven balls to spare.

Those winning feelings ??

Days on since the famous victory it’s still feel surreal that the Dutch are heading to the #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/Jw9pgfBSAG

— Netherlands Cricket Insider (@KNCBInsider) July 8, 2023

“It’s just unbelievable, I hardly have the words to describe what this means for me and, more importantly, for Netherlands cricket. It was always our dream to come here and qualify for the World Cup so, it is a dream come true,” De Leede said.

An ODI performance for the ages ???? https://t.co/CEawN9VUDx

— Netherlands Cricket Insider (@KNCBInsider) July 8, 2023

Zimbabwe made all the early running in the tournament with player-of-the-series and leading run-scorer Sean Williams smashing three centuries.

They beat the West Indies by 35-runs and looked certain to reach the World Cup before stumbling against Scotland by 31-runs. Scotland, too, were hot favourites to reach the World Cup before de Leede’s virtuoso performance.

Fortunately, the next World Cup in South Africa in 2027 will feature 14 teams and will be played to a similar format as the hugely successful Qualifiers in Zimbabwe with two groups of seven teams followed by a Super-Eight, semifinals and the final.

Sri Lanka won the duel between the two World Cup qualifiers on Sunday thrashing the Netherlands by 128 runs in the final of the tournament in Harare.

The Dutch did well to skittle the Sri Lankans out for just 233 inside 48 overs after Dutch captain Scott Edwards won the toss and put them into bat.

However, the Dutch were never in the hunt after being reduced to 39-3 -- man of the match Dilshan Madushanka taking three of the wickets -- as they collapsed to 105 all out in just over 23 overs.

?? Group stage: UNBEATEN
?? Super Six stage: UNBEATEN
?? Final: UNBEATEN

Sri Lanka enjoyed a dream run in the #CWC23 Qualifier! pic.twitter.com/fUB86R62AR

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 9, 2023

Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood was beaming after his side achieved all the targets set for them.

The 48-year-old Englishman said the confidence gained from the tournament would serve them well for the sport's quadrennial showpiece which gets underway in India on 5 October.

"First goal was to qualify and we did it," he said.

"Second was winning the tournament and we have fortunately done that as well. We can go home happy.

"The confidence that we have shown in this tournament, we can take it into the World Cup."

Edwards put the heavy defeat down to failing to cope with the Sri Lankan spinners but took enormous pride in what they had achieved overall.

"It is obviously massive for our guys and for our supporters back home," he said.

"The opportunity to play in a ten-team World Cup is massive for us.

"We will lap it up and hopefully put in a few good performances there (in India)," added the 26-year-old Tonga-born wicketkeeper.

It had all looked a lot rosier for the Dutch when they were in the field.

Edwards would have been especially happy with his side's performance with the ball as Bas de Leede the star in the victory over Scotland, which clinched their World Cup spot, missed the game having returned to his English county club Durham.

Vikramjit Singh dismissed both Sri Lankan openers including the prized one of the in form Pathum Nissanka, whose hopes of a third successive ton were dashed as he went for 23 caught by Aryan Dutt.

A fine 57 by Sahan Arahchige backed up by decent contributions from wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis (43) and Charith Asalanka (36) provided the backbone of their total.

Madushanka's devastating spell had the Dutch reeling and opener Max O'Dowd had to watch from the other end as his partners came and went at regular intervals.

O'Dowd eventually went for a doughty 33 off 63 balls clean bowled by Maheesh Theekshana -- who cleaned up the tail and finished with 4-31.

A flawless title win at the #CWC23 Qualifier ??

Congratulations, Sri Lanka ?????? pic.twitter.com/BfWIDA6ddp

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 9, 2023

Sri Lanka maintained their unbeaten record at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier as Pathum Nissanka's hundred helped secure an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies on Friday.

The Sri Lankans, who had already qualified for the tournament to be played later this year in India, bowled out the already-eliminated Windies for 243 before chasing down the target with 5.4 overs to spare.

The defeat brought an end to a miserable tournament for the Caribbean side, after previous losses to Zimbabwe, the Netherlands and Scotland.

Brilliant knock! ?? Pathum Nissanka's second consecutive ?? guides Sri Lanka to victory! ??????#SLvWI #LionsRoar pic.twitter.com/XogUn6KdAH

— Sri Lanka Cricket ???? (@OfficialSLC) July 7, 2023

"Just leave this behind us," said West Indies captain Shai Hope.

"Look forward. Communication is the key. We are already at the bottom, we have to find ways to get back up."

The Dutch secured the second qualifying place for the World Cup, to be held from 5 October to 19 November, with a dramatic victory over Scotland on Thursday.

Sri Lanka will face the Netherlands in Sunday's final.

"Our camp is very positive and we are very confident with our performance," said Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka.

"What we need to control is our performance. The result will take care of itself."

After winning the toss and electing to field first, Sri Lanka ran through the West Indies top order, reducing their opponents to 123-7.

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana removed three of the top four batters and ended with figures of 4-34 from his 10 overs.

Keacy Carty at least secured some respectability for the Windies with his 87, supported by Romario Shepherd and Kevin Sinclair down the order.

But Sri Lanka never looked in danger of stumbling with the bat, as Nissanka stroked a 113-ball 104 for his second successive century.

His fellow opener Dimuth Karunaratne added 83 in a first-wicket partnership of 190.

Both were eventually dismissed before Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama took the side home.

A magnificent all-round performance by Bas de Leede secured The Netherlands the final spot in the Cricket World Cup after they beat Scotland by four wickets on Thursday.

 

De Leede struck a brilliant 123 after taking 5-52 in the Scottish innings.

The Dutch join Sri Lanka in reaching the sport's quadrennial showpiece which is being hosted by India in October and November.

It will be their fifth appearance in the tournament but first since 2011.

When you know you are going to #CWC23 ? pic.twitter.com/OrBgoaboaq

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 6, 2023

The Dutch had looked down and out on a couple of occasions in their innings -- at one point they were 108-4 -- but de Leede was unstoppable in chasing down Scotland's 277/9.

His 123 included seven fours and five sixes -- two in succession took him to his century -- and his fifth-wicket partnership of 113 with Saqib Zulfiqar (33no) proved crucial for the win.

"We had a look at where we wanted to be at the halfway point, and from there you've got to do it," de Leede told Sky Sports.

"It was 10 to 11 an over, so for us it was about going into T20 mode.

"We tried to take as many runs as possible in each over and just see where we would end up.

"It's amazing, I can't describe the feeling, and it will be one big party tonight."

Scotland had set the Dutch a challenging total thanks largely to a 137-run partnership for the fourth wicket between South African-born pair Brandon McMullen and captain Richie Berrington.

McMullen made a sublime 106 and Berrington a punchy 64 -- Tom Mackintosh chipped in with an crowd-pleasing unbeaten 38 at the end of the innings.

 

Hello, #CWC23 ?????? pic.twitter.com/y7XsGDjTuZ

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 6, 2023

It was heartbreak for hosts Zimbabwe at the World Cup Qualifiers in Harare on Tuesday as they crashed to a shock 31-run loss to Scotland at the Harare Sports Club to bow out of contention for a place in the 10-team World Cup in India later this year.

Having restricted the Scots to a modest 234-8 after winning the toss and, like every other team in the tournament, choosing to bat second in balmy conditions, Zimbabwe slumped to 91-5 before recovering to 164-6 with a fighting 83 from Ryan Burl but the Scottish bowlers held their nerve to place one foot in what would be their fourth World Cup appearance.

Scottish opening bowler and man-of-the-match, Chris Sole (3-33), produced one of the fastest spells in Associate nation history, regularly reaching speeds of 150kph to claim the first three Zimbabwe wickets to undermine the run-chase.

His victims included Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine (2) and the tournaments top-scorer, Sean Williams (12).

For his fiery opening spell that fetched three crucial Zimbabwe wickets, Chris Sole has been adjudged the @aramco #POTM ??#CWC23 | #ZIMvSCO pic.twitter.com/31vxUJdi85

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 4, 2023

Zimbabwe had stormed through the group stages with a perfect four wins from four record but were outplayed by Sri Lanka, who have now qualified for the World Cup with a game to spare, before stumbling against Scotland to see their World Cup dreams turn to nightmares.

It leaves Thursday’s match between Scotland and the Netherlands as a straight shootout for the final place at the game’s showpiece event with the Scots holding the upper-hand.

Even if they lose to their European neighbours, they may still progress on the basis of a significantly superior net run-rate.

The Netherlands have four points in the Super Six stage of the tournament while Scotland have six following their victories against the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Barring a heavy defeat against the Netherlands in Thursday’s match, they will be at the World Cup.

The Netherlands, however, will believe anything is possible having matched the West Indies’ 374-6 before winning the match in a remarkable Super Over.

---

Meanwhile, Ireland – having surprisingly failed to qualify for the Super Six stage – sealed seventh place with a tense two-wicket victory against Nepal in the first ODI between the nations.

Nepal posted a competitive 268-9 mostly thanks to an unbeaten 57 (42 balls) from number nine batter, Gulsan Jha, and appeared well on course for victory when Ireland limped to 134-5 in reply.

But Curtis Campher (62 from 59 balls) rallied the tail and the Irish ended a disappointing tournament on a high.

Michael Leask helped Scotland to a stunning 31-run victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday to set up a winner-takes-all clash with the Netherlands for a place at the World Cup.

Sri Lanka became the first of the top two teams in the Super Six table to have qualified for the October-November World Cup in India when they beat Zimbabwe on Sunday.

The hosts could have clinched the second spot with victory over Scotland in Bulawayo, but it was not to be after Scottish quick Chris Sole (3-33) ripped through their top order, eventually bowled out for 203 chasing down 234.

Zimbabwe are knocked out ??

Scotland produce an impressive bowling display to stun Zimbabwe and keep World Cup hopes alive ??#CWC23 | #ZIMvSCO: https://t.co/D7y5KuNWyY pic.twitter.com/i0yi8ElRha

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 4, 2023

"Our boys have been fantastic. Credit to the way the lads played today," said Scotland captain Richie Berrington.

"The way we came out and showed faith in the second innings and get those early wickets was fantastic."

Berrington added: "It's a quick turnaround to the game against the Netherlands. We'll take a lot of confidence but it's going to be a tough game."

"It's a very difficult pill to swallow," Berrington's Zimbabwe counterpart Craig Ervine acknowledged.

"I thought we did well to restrict them to 230. Unfortunately that first initial spell from Sole really put us on the back foot and just made it hard for us to recover from that position."

For his fiery opening spell that fetched three crucial Zimbabwe wickets, Chris Sole has been adjudged the @aramco #POTM ??#CWC23 | #ZIMvSCO pic.twitter.com/31vxUJdi85

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 4, 2023

Leask top scored with a 34-ball 48 as Scotland racked up 234 runs for eight wickets off their allotted 50 overs.

Coming in at No 8, he combined with Mark Watt (21 not out) for an invaluable eighth-wicket partnership of 46 after the Scots had been left reeling at 170-7.

Three other batsmen – Matthew Cross (38), Brandon McMullen (34) and George Munsey (31) – all got into the 30s, but failed to build on their time at the crease.

Sean Williams grabbed 3-41 off his 10 overs, but failed to shine with the bat as Zimbabwe were quickly reduced to 37/4 in the run chase, under intense pressure from Sole.

Wessly Madhevere hit 40 and the dangerous Sikandar Raza 34 as Zimbabwe fought back.

Ryan Burl gave the host nation most hope, however, hitting 83 off 84 balls.

But Burl crucially fell to the offbreak of Leask, who also had a smart catch off his own bowling to dismiss Richard Ngarava.

The Scotsman ended with 2-33 off six overs and his team left the field knowing that a victory over the Dutch on Thursday would see them headed for India in the Autumn.

For Zimbabwe it was a case of deja vu after a similar failure in 2018 qualifiers when they also needed to win only one of their last two matches to qualify for the World Cup. They lost in both games in both 2018 and 2023.

"It's always nice to put those demons from 2018 behind us and had we gotten over the line today, nobody would have been asking about that but unfortunately, we didn't," said Ervine.

---

ZIMBABWE: Joylord Gumbie(w), Craig Ervine(c), Innocent Kaia, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani

SCOTLAND: Christopher McBride, Matthew Cross(w), Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Richie Berrington (c), Tomas Mackintosh, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole

The Netherlands kept their bid to qualify for the Cricket World Cup alive as Vikramjit Singh's hundred set up a comfortable victory over Oman on Monday.

The Dutch, who have not played at the global one-day showpiece since 2011, needed to win to stay in contention for a place at the tournament in India later this year.

Singh's maiden one-day international ton and Wesley Barresi's 65-ball 97 helped the Netherlands rack up 362-7 from 48 overs after being put in to bat first in a weather-affected match.

Oman never looked likely to complete the run chase despite 105 not out from Ayaan Khan, finishing on 246-6 after 44 overs when play was ended due to bad light.

The Netherlands' winning margin of 74 runs on DLS method in Harare also boosted their net run-rate, which could prove crucial.

It's all over in Harare!

Netherlands stay in contention for the #CWC23 qualification. #NEDvOMA: https://t.co/GQwVlrkFbq pic.twitter.com/1CynhEv7bi

— ICC (@ICC) July 3, 2023

The top two teams in the Super Six table reach the World Cup, with one place still on offer after Sri Lanka qualified by beating Zimbabwe on Sunday.

Hosts Zimbabwe could clinch the second spot with victory over Scotland on Tuesday, but if the Scots win that match, it would all but set up a winner-takes all clash between Scotland and the Netherlands on Thursday.

"Obviously some results that have to go our way. We cannot do anything about it. We will prepare for our next game," said Dutch captain Scott Edwards.

The 10-team World Cup will take place from October 5-November 19.

The Dutch made a solid start to their innings, trying to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Sri Lanka, until Max O'Dowd was bowled by Ayaan for 35.

Barresi's arrival quickened the scoring, as the 39-year-old smashed 10 fours and three sixes before falling just short of a hundred.

Singh's 110 came from 109 balls before he was dismissed by Mohammad Nadeem.

"Amazing. I waited a long time for this, finally getting my maiden ODI hundred, feels unreal," he said.

The delight of a maiden international ton ??

Vikramjit Singh is the @aramco POTM for his brilliant knock against Oman ?? #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/1YrBFI1wO1

— ICC (@ICC) July 3, 2023

Bas de Leede struck 39 off 19 balls and Saqib Zulfiqar 33 from 17 as the Netherlands posted a massive total.

Oman, who have yet to post a Super Six win, slipped to 78-3 in reply before Ayaan's resistance.

He ended not out from just 92 balls but a strong Dutch bowling display was epitomised by spinner Aryan Dutt's figures of 3-31 from 10 overs.

Oman will complete their campaign against fellow eliminated side the West Indies on Wednesday.

Pathum Nissanka's sublime unbeaten 101 propelled Sri Lanka to a place in this year's Cricket World Cup in India as the 1996 winners trounced hosts Zimbabwe by nine wickets on Sunday.

Sri Lanka had bowled out Zimbabwe for a modest 165 inside 33 overs and Nissanka never gave the hosts a hope of victory with his superb innings lifting Sri Lanka to 169 for one in their Super Six stage match.

Zimbabwe can still qualify if they beat Scotland on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's bowlers had performed admirably in skittling the hosts out – man of the match Maheesh Theekshana taking 4-25.

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka said it was crucial for them to be at the sport's quadrennial showpiece – another former winner West Indies are missing out for the first time after losing to Scotland on Saturday.

"It was a much-needed thing for Sri Lanka to play on that big stage," said Shanaka.

"See coming for the qualifiers. It's always tough but still, if you go through the process...and we knew with the team we've got, we were going to qualify for the World Cup."

The Zimbabweans had been up against it from the start after being put into bat by Shanaka and were left tottering on 30-3 due to a stunning opening spell by Dilshan Madushanka.

The hosts had prided themselves on getting through the first 10 overs in the previous matches in the tournament virtually unscathed – they had lost just the one wicket.

However, a fired-up Madushanka gave them a rude awakening reducing them to 8-2 beginning by dismissing Joylord Gumbie for a duck and then Wessley Madhevere for one.

He snapped up the key wicket of captain Craig Ervine for just 14, the 37-year-old with over 100 ODI appearances for the hosts nicking the ball to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.

'VERY GOOD CRICKET'

Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza steadied the ship – only after the former had escaped when Matheesha Pathirana dropped a simple chance off Madushanka prompting a withering look from Sri Lankan coach Chris Silverwood.

Pathum Nissanka's unbeaten hundred takes Sri Lanka to a win and they have now booked their spot at the 2023 @cricketworldcup ??#CWC23 | #ZIMvSL: https://t.co/kYQerTkkIx pic.twitter.com/QmiqyifN5E

— ICC (@ICC) July 2, 2023

They put on a fluent partnership of 68 but just as they were hitting their boot straps Raza on 31 holed out to Madushanka off the bowling of Shanaka to leave the hosts 98-4.

8.2-1-25-4 ??

Maheesh Theekshana is the @aramco #POTM for his superb spell that helped Sri Lanka end Zimbabwe's winning streak ?#CWC23 | #ZIMvSL pic.twitter.com/njexAQIy2r

— ICC (@ICC) July 2, 2023

They recovered briefly thanks to 19 – including three sixes – coming off a Dhananjaya over.

Williams brought up his half century with a beautifully executed four in Shanaka's next over.

However, his elation was to turn to despair soon afterwards.

Shanaka made an inspired bowling change bringing on Theekshana for his second spell in place of the the expensive Dhananjaya and with just his fifth ball bowled Williams for 56.

Theekshana struck again dismissing Burl for 16 with a similar type delivery to reduce the hosts to 130-6 and it became 144-7 when he trapped Luke Jongwe lbw for 10.

The Zimbabwe tail failed to wag with the unpredictable Matheesha Pathirana taking two of the remaining three wickets in one over.

Ervine said despite the heavy defeat they would stick to their gameplan for Tuesday's match.

"I don't think we need to prepare any differently from what we have been doing in this tournament (against Scotland)," said Ervine.

"We have been playing some very good cricket. Sri Lanka were much better than us today."

---

ZIMBABWE: Joylord Gumbie(w), Craig Ervine(c), Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

SRI LANKA: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga was reprimanded on Saturday for a code of conduct breach during Friday's cricket World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands.

In a statemen, the International Cricket Council said Hasaranga was found to have broken the code relating to the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match."

"The incident occurred after Hasaranga was dismissed, when on return to the pavilion, he hit the boundary skirtings with his bat in an aggressive manner", the ICC statement explained.

Hasaranga admitted the offence and accepted the sanction.

In Friday's match, Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga spun through the Dutch batting as Sri Lanka eked out a 21-run victory in the opening Super Six game for both teams.

The victory kept Sri Lanka tied at the top of the standings with hosts and Sunday's opponents Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifying tournament and on course for one of two places in India.

One demerit point has been added to Hasaranga's disciplinary record, for whom it was the second offence in a 24-month period, taking his number of demerit points to two.

The West Indies failed to qualify for the Cricket World Cup for the first time as the two-time champions slumped to a seven-wicket thumping by Scotland at the qualifying event on Saturday.

The Caribbean side, needing a win to keep their slim qualification hopes alive, were bowled out for 181 in their 50 overs before Scotland chased down the target with 6.3 overs to spare in Harare.

Shai Hope's men have zero points with only two matches remaining in the Super Six stage in Zimbabwe after previous defeats by the hosts and the Netherlands.

"There is not one thing I can put my finger on. We let ourselves down in the entire tournament," said captain Hope.

"The preparation needs to be better. We cannot come here and expect to be an elite team without preparation.

"Cannot expect to wake up one morning and be a great team."

The global one-day showpiece, which will be held in India from October 5 until November 19, will be notable for the absence of one of the sport's traditional powerhouses.

Scotland exacted revenge for an agonising and controversial loss by the West Indies at the previous World Cup Qualifier in 2018 which saw them miss out on the main tournament with a first one-day international win over their opponents.

"A really important win. We know the importance of every game," said Scottish skipper Richie Berrington. "Playing for the World Cup is as big as it gets. The boys were outstanding."

They now sit just two points behind Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, with the top two to qualify for the 10-team event, ahead of their final two games against Zimbabwe on Tuesday and the Dutch two days later.

"Should be another great game (against Zimbabwe). All to play for still," added Berrington. "Two important points on the line, so should be a good test against them at home in Bulawayo."

SCOTLAND'S FAST START

The damage was done early on by the Scottish seam bowlers as they reduced the Windies to 81-6 after winning the toss and electing to field first.

Young allrounder Brandon McMullen dismissed the West Indies top three of Brandon King, Johnson Charles and Shamarh Brooks and finished with 3-32 from nine overs.

Scotland's spinners kept the squeeze on despite a brief fightback from Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd.

Shepherd was brilliantly caught by Safyaan Sharif off the bowling of Mark Watt for 36 and Holder was trapped lbw by Chris Greaves three balls later, as the Windies lost their last four wickets for 23 runs.

Holder sent back Scotland opener Christopher McBride from the very first delivery of the Scots' innings to give his team hope.

But a 125-run partnership for the second wicket between McMullen and Matthew Cross put Scotland firmly on course for victory.

McMullen holed out off Shepherd for 69 but the game was already all but won.

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein removed George Munsey with 20 required, leaving it up to Cross to guide Scotland home with an unbeaten 74 from 107 balls.

The West Indies had previously played at every World Cup, winning the first two editions in 1975 and 1979.

 

---

 

WEST INDIES: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope(w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Kyle Mayers, Kevin Sinclair, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph

SCOTLAND: Matthew Cross(w), Christopher McBride, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Richie Berrington(c), Tomas Mackintosh, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Chris S

Ireland beat the USA by six wickets and with 94 balls to spare to win the playoff semifinal for seventh place in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Friday.

Neither team will play in India this year so pride was the only thing at stake in this game.

Ireland chose to field first and the USA were in trouble as they lost their first two wickets early, but an 88-run stand between Saiteja Mukkamalla and Sushant Modani stabilised their innings.

Both departed after getting their fifties and Ireland got back in the game with quick wickets.

From 151/5, USA were reduced to 168/9 and were eventually bowled out for 196. Craig Young was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland with three wickets.

Ireland were resolute in the chase and quickly began scoring runs with Paul Stirling taking the lead.

He completed his half-century and the opening partnership crossed 75 runs. Ireland were moving comfortably even after the wickets of McBrine and Stirling.

Andy Balbirnie remained unbeaten on 45 as Ireland claimed a comfortable victory.

Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga spun through the Dutch batting as Sri Lanka eked out a 21-run victory on Friday in the opening Super Six game for both teams.

The victory kept Sri Lanka tied at the top of the standings with hosts and Sunday's opponents Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifying tournament and on course for one of two places in India.

"Zimbabwe is a big, big match for us," said Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka after his side clinched victory.

Heartbreak for Netherlands as they fall 22 short of the target.#CWC23 | #SLvNED: https://t.co/O0daZYcNmr pic.twitter.com/UQxrK6pVO7

— ICC (@ICC) June 30, 2023

Shanaka had won the toss and chosen to bat – though it looked as if he had made the wrong choice when Sri Lanka struggled to 213 all out in 47.4 overs.

The Dutch, who upset West Indies in the group stage, seemed on course for another surprise when they reduced Sri Lanka to 67-5 and then 96-6.

Allrounder Dhananjaya de Silva, coming in with five wickets down, helped steer Sri Lanka to a defensible total.

He struck 93 off 111 balls hitting eight fours and two sixes. He was well supported by Hasaranga and Theekshana, who scored 20 and 28 respectively.

"My idea was to bat through the overs," De Silva said as he collected the Man of the Match award. "I was basically just playing straight."

"I like to spend time in the middle. This was the opportunity for me to do it. I think I did a good job."

A career-best ODI score of 93 ??

Dhananjaya de Silva is the @aramco POTM from #SLvIRE for his stunning knock ??#CWC23 pic.twitter.com/S0Mx1RwHfP

— ICC (@ICC) June 30, 2023

Medium pacer Logan van Beek was the pick of the Dutch bowlers, taking three wickets for an economical 26 runs in nine overs. Bas de Leede also took three wickets, including De Silva, at a cost of 42.

The Dutch lost opener Vikramjit Singh for nought to the second ball. The other opener, Max O'Dowd also went for a duck five balls later.

Wesley Barresi and De Leede revived the innings. Barresi was run out for 52 attempting a single into the covers. Teja Nidamanuru then fell to Hasaranga for a duck.

Mystery spinner Theekshana bowled De Leede for 41 and in his next over dismissed Saqib Zulfiqar lbw and, for his third wicket in six balls, bowled Van Beek for the fourth Dutch duck.

Shariz Ahmad tried to pinch a single on a misfield by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who whipped off his glove, pounced on the ball and smashed the stumps at the bowler's end with a laser throw.

Skipper Scott Edwards attempted to slog his team to victory but ran out of partners.

Hasaranga bowled Ryan Klein for five with a googly that jagged back through the gate.

Then, after an agonising last-wicket stand of 16, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka bowled Aryan Dutt for seven with 10 overs still to play.

Edwards was left on 67 not out which included four fours and two sixes.

"We bowled really well. A bit disappointing with the bat," said Edwards.

"We felt we should have got across the line."

Zimbabwe claimed a tense 14-run win over Oman on Thursday to start the Super Six stage of the World Cup Qualifier on a high, after Sean Williams' third hundred of the event.

The African side racked up 332 for seven from their 50 overs batting first in Bulawayo before a brave chase from Oman came up just short on 318 for nine.

The hosts moved top of the table after adding to the two wins, over the West Indies and the Netherlands, they carried over from the group stage.

"When I first saw the wicket, I thought 270 would be a very good score," said Williams. "Thankfully everyone chipped in there and we got up to that total."

Zimbabwe are bidding to qualify for the global one-day showpiece following an eight-year absence after missing out on the 2019 edition in England and Wales.

The top two sides in the Super Six standings will secure places at the World Cup.

Perched comfortably at the top ?????

Zimbabwe are on ?? at the #CWC23 Qualifier ?? pic.twitter.com/2yP7WrT2Li

— ICC (@ICC) June 29, 2023

Oman are all but out of contention in the race to reach the main tournament to be held in India from October 5 until November 19.

The underdogs, who started the match on zero points in the Super Six, pushed Zimbabwe all the way in a dramatic chase.

Opener Kashyap Prajapati crashed 103 off 97 balls to help them stay within touching distance.

Blessing Muzarabani's three wickets appeared to have put Zimbabwe on the brink of victory, helped by some brilliant fielding including a remarkable catch by Luke Jongwe as he juggled the ball on the boundary while repeatedly hopping over the rope.

But some late blows from the lower order left a manageable 39 needed from the final 17 balls when Fayyaz Butt was trapped lbw by Tendai Chatara.

Captain Zeeshan Maqsood hobbled back out to join Mohammad Nadeem at the crease having earlier retired injured.

Richard Ngarava's excellent penultimate over which conceded just two runs and a bye left Oman with too much to do as Maqsood fell to Chatara from the final ball.

Nadeem ended 30 not out from 18 balls as Muzarabani finished with 3-57 from nine overs and Chatara with 3-73 from eight.

Earlier, Williams' wonderful 142 off 103 deliveries, featuring 14 fours and three sixes, provided the backbone of Zimbabwe's innings.

Sikandar Raza added 42 and Jongwe some late impetus with a 28-ball 43 not out.

Zimbabwe, depending on other results, could secure a place in India when they face Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Oman are next in action the following day against the Netherlands.

 

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ZIMBABWE: Joylord Gumbie(w), Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani

OMAN: Kashyap Prajapati, Jatinder Singh, Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood(c), Mohammad Nadeem, Shoaib Khan, Ayaan Khan, Naseem Khushi(w), Fayyaz Butt, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan

Shock and predictability came in equal measure during the group stages of the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe which finished on Tuesday with the early elimination of minnows Nepal, USA and the UAE raising no eyebrows.

The entire cricket-playing world, however, is still digesting the near certainty that two-time champions, the West Indies, will not be at the World Cup in India which begins in October.

The men from the Caribbean lost to hosts Zimbabwe by 35-runs before losing to the Netherlands in a dramatic Super Over having posted a daunting total of 374-6 in their 50 overs. But a century from Teja Nidamanuru led the Dutch in an extraordinary run-chase leading to the Super Over.

Logan van Beek, who had scored 28 from 14 balls batting at No 8 before being brilliantly caught by Jason Holder off the final ball, was tasked with facing the first ball of the Super Over – bowled by Holder. He smashed a record 30 runs from the six balls and then claimed 2-8 with the ball for another record, Super Over victory.

4?6?4?6?6?4?

Logan van Beek goes berserk in the Super Over ??#CWC23 | #WIvNED: https://t.co/2T4SaCRune pic.twitter.com/fPvWBJnVPD

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 26, 2023

Only points earned against fellow-qualifiers are carried through to the Super Six stage which has left the West Indies without any points following victories against non-qualifiers Nepal and the USA.

Not only will they need to win all three games in the next round – against Sri Lanka, Scotland and Oman – but they will need to hope that either Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe lose twice. And even then they will have to rely on net run-rate to progress.

But test-playing Ireland’s failure to reach the Super Six stage of the tournament was completely unexpected following a shock loss to Oman and a nail-biting one-wicket loss to Scotland who also reached the second stage of the tournament.

Zimbabwe have been in magnificent form thrashing Nepal and the USA against whom they passed 400 for the first time. Their 35-run victory against the West Indies was no fluke, outplaying the men from the Caribbean in front of a capacity, passionate crowd at the Harare Sports Club.

The hosts and Sri Lanka both carry a maximum four points into the Super Sixes and are guaranteed a place in the final – and the World Cup – if they win all three of their remaining matches.

Oman are in a similarly hopeless position to the West Indies but Scotland and the Netherlands, with two points each, harbour an outsider chance of World Cup qualification if they can cause further upsets and other results go in their favour.

The race for the final two #CWC23 spots is heating up ??

How the Super Six standings look at the end of the Qualifier group stages ?? pic.twitter.com/LjWB7hpWvw

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 27, 2023

CRICKET WORLD CUP QUALIFIER SUPER SIX FIXTURES

29 June: Zimbabwe v Oman - Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo
30 June: Sri Lanka v Netherlands - Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo
1 July: Scotland v West Indies - Harare Sports Club
2 July: Zimbabwe v Sri Lanka - Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo
3 July: Netherlands v Oman - Harare Sports Club
4 July: Zimbabwe v Scotland - Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo
5 July: West Indies v Oman - Harare Sports Club
6 July: Scotland v Netherlands - Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo
7 July: Sri Lanka v West Indies - Harare Sports Club
9 July: Final - Harare Sports Club

After three defeats in as many games ended their hopes of reaching the Super Six of the Cricket World Cup qualifiers, Ireland earned their first win with a brilliant batting display against the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

Paul Stirling was the standout performer, making 162 from just 134 deliveries, smashing 15 fours and eight sixes to set up a mammoth 349 for four from 50 overs.

He put on 184 with skipper Andy Balbirnie, who made a comparatively sedate 66 from 88 balls before he was caught behind off Ali Naseer to leave Ireland on 225 for two in the 39th over.

That brought Harry Tector to the crease and the run-rate ramped up as he and Stirling put on 57 in just 6.4 overs.

Sanchit Sharma (3-46), the pick of the UAE bowlers, finally removed Stirling with five overs remaining, but Tector started teeing off, eventually falling for a 33-ball 57 in the penultimate over.

The Netherlands showed on Monday that big chases are very possible in Zimbabwe, and Muhammad Waseem looked to give the UAE the perfect start with a quickfire 45 from just 32 balls.

An opening partnership of 58 was broken when Waseem was run out, straying out of his crease after wearing one on the gloves, with Balbirnie showing quick thinking to get him.

Aryansh Sharma (18) and Vriitya Aravind (10) then followed before Ethan D’Souza (3) became a second victim for Josh Little (2-30) to leave the UAE on 85 for four.

Basil Hameed hit three sixes on his way to a counter-attacking 39, adding 70 with Sanchit for the seventh wicket to get UAE to 179 for seven.

He was caught off the bowling of George Dockrell, while Curtis Campher ended Sanchit’s resistance on 44, trapping Junaid Siddique leg before in the same over.

It was left to Dockrell to complete the job, having Karthik Meiyappan caught for six as the UAE were bowled out for 211 with 11 overs still to bowl.

 

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Muhammad Waseem(c), Aryansh Sharma(w), Vriitya Aravind, Ethan DSouza, Basil Hameed, Ali Naseer, Aayan Afzal Khan, Sanchit Sharma, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah

IRELAND:Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Andrew Balbirnie(c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little

Sri Lanka defeated Scotland by 82 runs on Tuesday to advance to the Super Six stage of the Cricket World Cup qualifiers with maximum points, while Ireland secured a consolation win over the United Arab Emirates.

Opener Pathum Nissanka made 75 and Charith Asalanka scored 63 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 245 in Bulawayo, with Scotland spinners Chris Greaves (4-32) and Mark Watt (3-52) combining for seven wickets.

Scotland slid to 73-5 in reply and were eventually dismissed for just 163 after two run outs in the same over sealed their fate despite an enterprising 56 not out from Greaves.

Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, go through as winners of Group B and will start on four points in the next round ahead of matches against the Netherlands, Zimbabwe and the West Indies.

Scotland carry over two points following Sunday's win over Oman, the third team to qualify from the section.

The next phase of the tournament begins on Thursday when hosts Zimbabwe play Oman. The top two finishers in the Super Six will qualify for the World Cup in India in October and November.

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SRI LANKA: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

SCOTLAND: Christopher McBride, Matthew Cross (w), Brandon McMullen, Richard Berrington(c), Tomas Mackintosh, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Jack Jarvis, Chris Sole, Alasdair Evans

Prior to Monday 26 June, the biggest Super Over score in the history of cricket had jointly been held by West Indies Men and West Indies Women, at 25 runs apiece.

But this time it was the West Indies who were on the receiving end of a thunderous six-ball effort, as they were beaten in the Super Over by Netherlands in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

An encounter to remember!

What a performance from Netherlands ?? #CWC23 | #WIvNED pic.twitter.com/KWXRHhiUKF

— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2023

Logan van Beek was the man to do all of the damage, hitting every single ball of the Super Over to the boundary, with three fours and three sixes setting a new all-time record of 30 runs.

It was an extraordinary effort and helped the Netherlands to a famous win over West Indies, coming after the Dutch side had produced a phenomenal run chase of 374/9 to finish the regulation overs with a tie.

LOGAN VAN BEEK.... YOU CHAMPION!

4,6,4,6,6,4 in the Super Over against Jason Holder to take the Netherlands to 30. One of the craziest striking in the Super Overs.#ICCWorldCupQualifiers #WorldCup2023pic.twitter.com/8SGgkdyPIi

— VK 18 FAN (@Deba3264_) June 26, 2023

A match for the ages ??

Netherlands clinch a thriller in the Super Over against West Indies ??#CWC23 | #WIvNED: https://t.co/nJHz2HouZx pic.twitter.com/oY9KTiPu6g

— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2023

That score was comfortably the highest ever scored by the Netherlands in their ODI history, but they needed another record to complete the famous win.

Jason Holder was the unfortunate bowler on the receiving end of Van Beek’s fireworks.

Holder had been the pick of the West Indies bowlers earlier in the match, going for just 59 runs from his ten overs, with comfortably the best economy rate across the team.

Logan van Beek in the Super Over against West Indies:

With the bat: 4 6 4 6 6 4 ??
With the ball: 8/2 with one ball to spare ??

SENSATIONAL ??#CWC23 | #WIvNED: https://t.co/nJHz2HouZx pic.twitter.com/FXuUd0R56J

— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2023

And the match had only been tied thanks to Holder's excellent catch off the very last ball of the Netherlands innings, with the scores already tied.

But he didn’t hit his yorkers in the Super Over, offering up two full tosses in the first two deliveries. And a confident Van Beek went 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, 4 to make history in Harare.

Netherlands have pulled off a heist ??

After scoring 30 in the Super Over, Logan van Beek defends with the ball ??#CWC23 | #WIvNED: https://t.co/nJHz2HouZx pic.twitter.com/jFif3hayon

— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2023

Riding that wave of adrenaline, it was Van Beek who took the ball for Netherlands in the Super Over too.

And although his first delivery disappeared for a maximum, two singles were followed by two wickets as he completed an exceptional individual effort on a famous day for his team.

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NETHERLANDS: Max ODowd, Vikramjit Singh, Wesley Barresi, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards(w/c), Logan van Beek, Clayton Floyd, Shariz Ahmad, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Vivian Kingma, Saqib Zulfiqar, Michael Levitt, Noah Croes

WEST INDIES: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope(w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Keemo Paul, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Shamarh Brooks, Romario Shepherd

Sean Williams hit 174 off 101 balls as Zimbabwe crushed the United States by 304 runs Monday at the Cricket World Cup qualifiers, the second biggest winning margin in terms of runs in ODI history.

Hosts Zimbabwe made their highest one-day total with a mammoth 408-6 off 50 overs and then bowled out the USA for just 104 to seal a fourth straight win in Group A.

Highest total for Zimbabwe ??
Second biggest margin of victory in ODI history ??

Utter domination by the hosts against USA in the #CWC23 Qualifier ??https://t.co/57YqnMFQiH

— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2023

They narrowly missed breaking the record for the biggest margin of victory in a one-day international, set at the start of the year when India thrashed Sri Lanka by 317 runs in Thiruvananthapuram.

174 off 101 deliveries ??

For his memorable knock in #ZIMvUSA, Sean Williams is the @aramco #POTM ?? #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/NYWUTXjPax

— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2023

Wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie struck a steady 78 at the top of the order but Williams played the starring role as Zimbabwe stepped on the accelerator once the stand-in captain arrived at the crease.

Williams hit 21 fours and five sixes before he was caught in the deep in the penultimate over, with Sikandar Raza scoring 48 off 27 balls and Ryan Burl hammering 47 off just 16 deliveries.

Only three USA batters reached double figures as Richard Ngarava and Raza both took two wickets while three run outs compounded a dismal performance from the Americans.

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ZIMBABWE: Joylord Gumbie(w), Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brad Evans

UNITED STATES: Steven Taylor, Sushant Modani, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Aaron Jones(c), Gajanand Singh, Shayan Jahangir(w), Nisarg Patel, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Kyle Phillip, Monank Patel, Abhishek Paradkar, Usman Rafiq

Brandon McMullen began this tournament with a first five-wicket haul, and he now has a maiden ODI hundred after firing Scotland to a 76-run win over Oman.

Christopher McBride was pinned leg before for a duck off the third ball to bring McMullen to the crease, where he joined Matthew Cross (27) to add 82 runs for the second wicket.

When the keeper was bowled by Jay Odedra (2/68), skipper Richie Berrington came in, fresh from his century against the UAE.

He raced to a 62-ball 60 before a mix-up after a misfield saw the skipper run out, bringing a 138-run stand to a close.

McMullen followed for 136, the second of Bilal Khan’s five victims as Oman fought back, although Tomas Mackintosh (32) and Mark Watt (25) chipped in with some handy late runs.

Bilal kept chipping away though, finishing with figures of five for 55, before two wickets in the final over, including Adrian Neill’s run-out off the last ball, saw Scotland finish on 320 all out.

Oman never threatened to chase it down, with the opening pair putting on just 25 for the first wicket in ten overs.

McMullen ended that partnership when he had Kashyap Prajapati bowled for 12, with Neill then adding Jatinder Singh for 14.

Bowled was the preferred method of dismissal, with skipper Zeeshan Maqsood (8) and Aqib Ilyas (31) also succumbing to Michael Leask and Watt respectively, leaving Oman on 72 for four.

Chris Greaves (5/53) then joined the party, dismissing Mohammad Nadeem (15) and Ayaan Khan (30) to make it 120 for six.

A 105-run stand between Shoaib Khan (36) and Naseem Khushi (69) reduced the margin of victory, but Greaves dismissed both before bowling Fayyaz Butt as Oman finished on 244 for nine from their 50 overs.

Scotland have now won three from three ahead of a meeting with Sri Lanka to decide top spot in Group B, while Oman are through to the Super Six courtesy of earlier wins over Ireland and the UAE.

 

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SCOTLAND: Christopher McBride, Matthew Cross(w), Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington(c), Tomas Mackintosh, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Adrian Neill

OMAN: Kashyap Prajapati, Jatinder Singh, Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood(c), Mohammad Nadeem, Shoaib Khan, Ayaan Khan, Naseem Khushi(w), Jay Odedra, Fayyaz Butt, Bilal Khan

Sri Lanka powered into the Super Six stage of the Cricket World Cup qualifying tournament with a crushing 133-run win over Ireland on Sunday that eliminated their opponents.

The result also guaranteed Scotland and Oman will join Sri Lanka in progressing from Group B.

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne made a run-a-ball 103 and Sadeera Samarawickrama hit 82 as Sri Lanka compiled an imposing total of 325 all out off 49.5 overs after being put in to bat in Bulawayo.

Mark Adair took 4-46 and Barry McCarthy claimed 3-56 but Ireland's pace spearhead Josh Little conceded 78 runs in eight wicketless overs.

Karunaratne and Samarawickrama put on 168 for the third wicket after Kusal Mendis was trapped lbw first ball by McCarthy.

Charith Asalanka (38) and Dhananjaya de Silva (42 not out) also chipped in as Ireland sought to limit the damage in the closing overs.

Ireland needed a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, but they lost experienced opener Paul Stirling for six and the wheels soon came off.

Captain Andy Balbirnie's dismissal reduced Ireland to 57-3 and Lorcan Tucker was bowled for a duck the next over before Wanindu Hasaranga pinned Harry Tector in front for 33.

Curtis Campher, who made a century in the gut-wrenching loss to Scotland, briefly countered in his knock of 39 but once he top-edged to the wicketkeeper Ireland were all but doomed.

Hasaranga finished with 5-79, giving the Sri Lankan legspinner 16 wickets in three qualifiers so far in Zimbabwe.

 

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IRELAND: Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Andrew Balbirnie(c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy

SRI LANKA: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara