Cricket News

'Unreal downfall ' - Fans react as Sri Lanka miss out on direct qualification for ODI World Cup 2023

Sri Lanka lost the 3rd ODI against New Zealand by six wickets and were knocked out of the race for direct qualification for 2023 World Cup.

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Akshay
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SL vs NZ

SL vs NZ (Image credit: Twitter)

SL vs NZ SL vs NZ (Image credit: Twitter)

It was a day to forget for Sri Lanka in Hamilton as the 2011 World Cup runners-up will have to play qualifiers to be part of the 2023 ODI World Cup after suffering an embarrassing defeat against New Zealand on Friday, March 31. The Black Caps dashed the Lankans' hopes of directly qualifying for the 50-over World Cup hosted by India with a six-wicket victory.

After a humiliating defeat of 198 runs in the first ODI and the second match abandoned due to rain, Lankan Lions aimed to win the third encounter and tie the series. But the fate was similar for them in the third ODI as the Kiwis dominated the batting and bowling.

Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka chose to field first and their batters once again failed to resist at the crease, resulting in the loss of three wickets in the first powerplay. Pathum Nissanka (57 off 64), Dasun Shanaka (31 off 36) and Chamika Karunaratne (24 off 42) were the only players who played with responsibility for the visitors. Matt Henry (3/14), Henry Shipley (3/32) and Daryl Mitchell (3/32) all excelled with the ball for the hosts as they restricted Sri Lanka to 160 all out.

Sri Lanka to play World Cup Qualifier for first time in 44 years

Chasing a below-par total, New Zealand were expected to make a decent start, but they lost three wickets in the first seven overs. However, Will Young and Henry Nicholls played crucial knocks to see their side through. The duo put on a 100-run partnership with Young scoring 86* off 113 and Nicholls 44* off 52. For Sri Lanka, Lahiru Kumara took two wickets, while Kasun Rajitha and Shanaka took one wicket each.

A dominant performance from the Kiwi bowlers and a brilliant half-century by Young not only helped the hosts win the series 2-0 but also denied Sri Lanka the eighth spot in the Cricket Governing Body Men's Cricket World Cup Super League table. Only the top eight teams qualify directly for the marquee event in October-November. With the recent defeat, Lankan Lions have lost 14 matches out of 24 and are ninth in the table. They will be playing an ODI World Cup Qualifier for the first time in 44 years.

Here's how fans reacted: 

Sri Lanka New Zealand