Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe head into ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier Super 6 as toppers

With the group stage over, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe advance into the Super Six stage as the frontrunners in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier.

The six teams to advance from Groups A and B of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers were already determined before the final round of matches. As the results against the other Super Six teams will be carried forward, the last set of group fixtures essentially became de facto Super Six matches.

Read More: Gardner’s 8/66 sees Australia defeat England by 89 runs in Women’s Ashes Test

Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka find themselves in a strong position in the Super Six table as they compete for the two qualification spots, while West Indies and Oman face significant challenges.

In the Super Six stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers, each team carries forward the points earned from their group matches against the other top-three finishers. Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka start with four points, Netherlands and Scotland with two points, and West Indies and Oman with zero points.

Read More: Australia clinch thrilling 2-wicket win in first Ashes Test

Each team has three more matches to play against the three teams qualifying from the opposite group. The top two teams at the end of the group stage will progress to the final and secure their places in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

Sri Lanka entered the tournament as the highest-ranked team. With Wanindu Hasaranga’s exceptional form, having taken 18 wickets in four matches so far, the Islanders will be confident.

Hosts Zimbabwe have also been impressive in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. Carrying four points into the group stage, the Chevrons have significant momentum, making their upcoming clash with Sri Lanka a pivotal match.

Read More: Australia win World Test Championship final after Boland, Lyon bowl India out for 234

The West Indies face a precarious situation, as their dramatic Super Over defeat to the Netherlands dealt a blow to their campaign. Their next match against Scotland is crucial, where they will aim for a substantial win to boost their points and net run rate. If their chances remain alive when they face Oman on July 5, that match becomes a must-win encounter before the match against Sri Lanka concludes the Super Six stage.

While Oman had a sensational start to the tournament and rightfully secured a spot in the Super Six, their current position requires them to achieve surprise victories against Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, and the West Indies to qualify.

Read More: MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clinch record-equalling fifth IPL title

The Netherlands, despite being one of the lowest-ranked teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers and missing key players, have an opportunity to defy expectations and secure a spot in the Cricket World Cup. Their impressive Super Over triumph against the West Indies has earned them two points with three games remaining, and the other Super Six teams will be cautious after witnessing the power of the Dutch batting lineup.

Scotland enters the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers Super Six stage in good form and possesses strong spin options, providing them an advantage as the pitches start offering more turn in the latter stages of the tournament.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *