CWC 2023 Qualifiers: Sri Lanka Beats Scotland by 82 runs, finishes on top in Group B

In the 19th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers, Sri Lanka delivered a stunning blow to Scotland, defeating them by a massive 82 runs.

Opting to bowl first, Scotland managed to restrict Sri Lanka to a chaseable total of 245 runs in 49.3 overs. Chris Greaves played a crucial role, taking 4 wickets for 32 runs with an economy of 4.9. Mark Watt also contributed with 3 wickets and an economy of 5.2. Together, they bowled out Sri Lanka for 245. While Pathum Nissanka played a pivotal innings to help Sri Lanka reach this total, scoring alongside Charith Asalanka, who made 63 runs off 65 balls, the rest of the Sri Lankan batters faltered, resulting in a batting collapse.

In response, Scotland faltered and were bowled out for a mere 163 runs in just 29 overs. Maheesh Theekshana proved to be instrumental, taking 3 wickets for 41 runs. Wanindu Hasranga also contributed with 2 wickets for 42 runs. Despite Chris Greaves scoring a half-century, his efforts were in vain as Scotland faced a comprehensive defeat. Maheesh Theekshana’s exceptional performance earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award.

Both teams have now progressed to the next round of the tournament, which is set to commence on 29th June. The upcoming match will witness Zimbabwe taking on Oman at Bulawayo. The fight intensifies as these teams battle for the top two spots, which will secure their qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 to be held in India.