In the thrilling encounter between Sri Lanka and Scotland, the Sri Lankan team registered a grand win in the 19th match of Group B in the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 245 runs, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka, despite a late batting collapse.
Sri Lanka's batting performance may have raised some concerns when they were bowled out in the 50th over. However, their exceptional bowling performance throughout the tournament continued in this match. Although Wanindu Hasaranga fell short of a five-wicket haul this time, he, along with Maheesh Theekshana, wreaked havoc on the Scotland batting order. Theekshana claimed 3 wickets for 41 runs, while Hasaranga took 2 wickets for 42 runs. Supported by the seamers and a couple of run-outs, Sri Lanka secured a resounding 82-run victory.
Sri Lanka continues to assert their dominance in the group stage, with all their matches being one-sided affairs. Although it is disheartening for Sri Lanka, a former ODI World Cup champion, to compete in the Qualifiers, they can find comfort in being the leading team as they advance to the Super Six stage. With four valuable points and the tournament's best Net Run Rate (NRR) of 3.047, they are in a strong position.
With 3 wins and just one loss in the group stage, Scotland also secured their place in the next stage of the tournament successfully. They maintain a Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.540. The outcome of their Super Six matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies will determine their fate.
Sri Lanka's bowlers continued their imperious form in this tournament, causing Scotland to collapse to 74 for 6 within the first 16 overs on a challenging Bulawayo track. Lahiru Kumara made the first breakthrough with a brilliant delivery that dismantled Matthew Cross' middle stump. The spinners then took control of the game. Theekshana dismissed Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington, while Hasaranga claimed the wickets of Christopher McBride and Mark Watt. When Theekshana trapped Jack Jarvis lbw, Scotland's fate was sealed. Chris Greaves fought valiantly with an unbeaten 56, but his partners were run out, and Scotland were all out in the 29th over.
Earlier, on a difficult pitch for scoring, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka propelled Sri Lanka to a competitive total. Nissanka scored a steady 75 off 85 deliveries, while Asalanka made a busy 63 off 65, holding the Sri Lankan batting effort together. Mark Watt's left-arm finger spin accounted for their dismissals, with Nissanka playing a shot to short midwicket and Asalanka edging one to the keeper. Watt's impressive performance earned him figures of 3 for 52, the best among the Scottish bowlers.
Despite a late batting collapse, Sri Lanka's quality bowling attack proved too much for Scotland. The victory showcased Sri Lanka's strength and sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.