Afghanistan has confirmed a place in the next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup among the countries which will qualify automatically after rain came down pouring in the second ODI against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International stadium. The visitors were all-out for 228 after opting to bat first with Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 68 of 73 balls turning out to be the top score for the side.
Kasun Rajitha bowled a brilliant spell to end up with 3 for 31 in his nine overs while the spinners put a tight grip on the scoring rate. Sri Lanka played just 2.4 overs in the run-chase when the rain came down heavily and the game was eventually called-off due to the persistent rains. Afghanistan had already taken a 1-0 lead after winning the first ODI and cannot lose the series from here on.
The result proved to a blessing in disguise for the Afghan side as the five points from the rain-curtailed game has taken them to a total of 115 points at the seventh position in the World Cup Super league table. They have now secured a spot in the top eight nations that will directly quality for the ICC Cricket World Cup in India next year.
Sri Lanka on the verge of losing out a direct qualification chance
Sri Lanka are currently in 10th position in the standings of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super league with 67 points and they have just a few more matches to make it to the automatic qualification spot. West Indies who are at the eighth position in the table are at 88 points and hence, Sri Lanka desperately need a victory in the final ODI against Afghanistan to get closer to West Indies’ tally.
The final ODI between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place on November 30 at the Pallekele Stadium and it is a must-win game for the host nation. South Africa's chances of directly qualifying for the 2023 World Cup are also under threat as they are currently at the 11th position in the Super League table.
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