Theekshana, Nissanka hand Sri Lanka ODI World Cup ticket, Theekshana nabbed 4 for 25 while Nissanka hit 101* as Zimbabwe were consigned to a nine-wicket loss.
Sri Lanka secured a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the Super Six clash, confirming their spot in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. The win was primarily attributed to Sri Lanka’s clinical bowling performance, which triggered a batting collapse on Zimbabwe’s side, despite a promising 68-run partnership between Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza.
Sri Lanka’s opening bowlers, especially Dilshan Madushanka, made a significant impact by dismantling Zimbabwe’s top order within the first seven overs. Madushanka, playing only his second game of the competition, utilized both movement and variations in length to trouble the batsmen. He removed Joylord Gumbie and Wessly Madhevere early on and induced Craig Ervine’s dismissal. Madushanka could have had Williams too, but Matheesha Pathirana dropped a straightforward chance.
Raza and Williams then stabilized Zimbabwe’s innings, capitalizing on some loose deliveries, particularly from Pathirana, who bowled seven wides in his first two overs. Williams reached his fifty, and Maheesh Theekshana joined the wicket-taking party. Theekshana dismissed Williams, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, and Blessing Muzarabani to conclude Zimbabwe’s innings. Pathirana accounted for Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava, maintaining Sri Lanka’s record of dismissing all their opponents in the Qualifier for under 200 runs.
Chasing 166 for victory, Dimuth Karunaratne got a lifeline when Brad Evans dropped him at short midwicket off Richard Ngarava. From there, Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka secured the chase with a 103-run partnership for the opening wicket. Nissanka showcased exquisite strokeplay and reached his second ODI century, guiding Sri Lanka to India-bound with nearly 17 overs to spare.
Brief Score: Sri Lanka 169 for 1 (Nissanka 101*, Karunaratne 30) beat Zimbabwe 165 (Williams 56, Raza 31, Theekshana 4-25, Madushanka 3-15) by nine wickets.
Man of the Match: Maheesh Theekshana
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