Sri Lanka miss out on direct World Cup qualification

HAMILTON: Sri Lanka have failed to snatch the eighth spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League table after succumbing to a defeat against New Zealand in the third One-Day International at Hamilton, said a report on International Cricket Council website.

Calling it right at the toss, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka opted to bat first in the crucial encounter. But the Sri Lankan batters failed to fire yet again, struggling against the pace and bounce of the New Zealand bowlers.

Matt Henry (3-14), Henry Shipley (3-32) and Daryl Mitchell (3-32) were all outstanding with the ball, as Sri Lanka huffed and puffed to cross the 150-run mark.

For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka (57 off 64), Dasun Shanaka (31 off 36) and Chamika Karunaratne (24 off 42) were the only batters to show any form of resistance. The visitors were bowled out for 157 in 41.3 overs, with their bowlers now facing a herculean task of getting their side over the line.

In reply, New Zealand’s chase got off to a rocky start as they lost three wickets within the first seven overs. Four of their batters — Chad Bowes, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham — failed to reach the double-digit mark.

But Will Young and Henry Nicholls played vital knocks to get the hosts over the line. The pair established a partnership of 100 runs with Young scoring 86 not out and Nicholls 44 not out to seal a six-wicket win for New Zealand.

With the victory in Hamilton, New Zealand secured a 2-0 win in the three-match ODI series.