Sports

Which teams can qualify for the Cricket World Cup 2023

Published

3 years ago

2023/07/4

Priyan

Sri Lanka have confirmed their place at the Cricket World Cup with a win over Zimbabwe, to leave two teams competing for the last remaining spot at the showpiece event in India later this year.

The 1996 Cricket World Cup champions Sri Lanka booked their spot at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with an emphatic win over Zimbabwe, as they extended their unbeaten run at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier and moved to eight points on the Super Six standings.

Zimbabwe, who looked certain to finish in the top two, crashed out of the Qualifier after two consecutive losses at the hands of Sri Lanka and Scotland. It’s now a two-horse race between Scotland and Netherlands for the final spot, with their clash on Thursday, 6 July deciding their World Cup fate.

Only the top two teams at the end of the Super Six stage will qualify for the Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

West Indies will not be among those qualifiers, after the two-time Cricket World Cup champions carried zero points into the Super Six stage then crashed out with a crushing defeat to Scotland.

Here is what each team needs to do to qualify for the Cricket World Cup:

1. Sri Lanka – QUALIFIED

Super Six played: 4
Super Six won: 4 (Oman, Scotland, Netherlands, Zimbabwe)
Super Six points: 8
Net run-rate: +1.817
Still to play: West Indies (7 July)

Sri Lanka have been in ominous form throughout the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, limiting each of their opponents so far to totals under 200 runs during their unbeaten run.

Even the clash with the previously undefeated Zimbabwe proved to be a one-sided affair as Sri Lanka cruised to an easy nine-wicket triumph. This win ensures that Sri Lanka will remain among the top two sides in the Super Six stage, and therefore qualify for the showpiece event in India.

2. Scotland

Super Six played: 4
Super Six won: 2 (Oman, West Indies, Zimbabwe)
Super Six points: 6
Net run-rate: +0.296
Still to play: Netherlands (6 July)

Scotland gave their qualification hopes a huge boost with a commanding victory over the West Indies, while effectively knocking out the two-time Cricket World Cup champions at the same time.

They followed that up with a massive win over hosts Zimbabwe to keep their Qualifier hopes alive.

A loss to the rampant Sri Lanka in the group stage might have proved costly for Scotland, but it is the Asian side’s win over Zimbabwe which has now reignited their hopes. That result puts Scotland’s qualification hopes in their own hands, thanks to their superior net run rate at this stage. A victory over Netherlands in their final game on Thursday will help them punch their tickets to India.

Likelihood of qualification: Great

3. Zimbabwe

Super Six played: 5
Super Six won: 3 (Netherlands, West Indies, Oman)
Super Six points: 6
Net run-rate: -0.099
Still to play: N/A

Two games ago, Zimbabwe were seen as one of the favourites to finish in the top two of the Qualifier alongside Sri Lanka. Two games later, in heartbreaking fashion, they crashed out of the tournament after consecutive losses against Sri Lanka and Scotland.

The hosts kicked off the Super Six stage as the tournament pacesetters alongside Sri Lanka, with the teams sharing identical win-loss records until their high-stakes clash. However, a nine-wicket loss against Sri Lanka not only dented their confidence but also their net run rate.

Zimbabwe still had their fate in their own hands but Scotland bowlers brought their A-game to the do-or-die match as the hosts slumped to a 31-run loss that saw them crash out of the Qualifier.

This loss means that Zimbabwe will be missing out on their second consecutive World Cup after missing out in 2019.

Likelihood of qualification: None

4. Netherlands

Super Six played: 4
Super Six won: 2 (West Indies, Oman)
Super Six points: 4
Net run-rate: -0.042
Still to play: Scotland (6 July)

Netherlands surged into the Super Six stage with a stirring Super Over victory over the West Indies, and also gave both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka a scare with some brilliant batting.

Those honourable losses to the tournament standouts still look set to cost Netherlands dearly, as even a victory over Scotland in their remaining Super Six match is unlikely to lift them into a top-two spot.

There is still hope for Netherlands but they would need to defeat Scotland by a significant margin to boost their lowly net run-rate.

But the Netherlands have already shown at this Cricket World Cup Qualifier that it would be foolhardy to write them off too early.

Likelihood of qualification: Low

5. West Indies

Super Six played: 3
Super Six won: 0
Super Six points: 0
Net run-rate: -0.510
Still to play: Oman (5 July), Sri Lanka (7 July)

The two-time Cricket World Cup champions will not be part of the showpiece event for the very first time after a devastating loss to Scotland ended their qualification hopes.

West Indies carried zero points into the Super Six stage after Netherlands snatched a thrilling victory from them in a Super Over during the group stage, while they also ran out of wickets in a competitive chase against Zimbabwe.

The Caribbean outfit will want to save face against Oman and perhaps shake up the final Super Six standings against Sri Lanka, but will otherwise have to turn their focus to what went wrong and how to turn it around.

Likelihood of qualification: None

6. Oman

Super Six played: 4
Super Six won: 0
Super Six points: 0
Net run-rate: -2.072
Still to play: West Indies (5 July)

Oman kicked off their tournament with a pair of rousing triumphs over Ireland and UAE, but arguably impressed even more when giving Zimbabwe a scare while chasing 332 in the Super Six opener.

The Asia nation will now be out to claim one more victory to finish their encouraging campaign on a high, although a spot in the Cricket World Cup is already out of reach.

Likelihood of qualification: None

(ICC)

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Related Topics:ICC World Cup 2023 ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifier Netherlands Oman Scotland sri lanka West Indies Zimbabwe

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Rwanda to host inaugural ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy from April 18

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/17

Priyan

"This tournament is a testament to the growth of Rwandan cricket," the president of Rwanda Cricket Association said (Nigeria Cricket Federation)

Rwanda will host the inaugural Women’s Challenge Trophy, which starts on April 18 in Kigali with Rwanda taking on Italy, in the first game and Nepal facing USA in the second game later in the day. The tournament, which will run till May 1, also features Vanuatu, and has a total of 20 games over ten match days.

The tournament is a new one in the ICC’s calendar, organised to provide match exposure to the second rung of Associate women’s teams. The eight-team Emerging Nations Trophy, introduced last year, featured the highest-placed teams from the ICC’s five regions, and this one pits the next-highest-placed teams. The teams were confirmed based on their positions at the regional T20 World Cup qualifiers last year.

“A double round-robin format assures maximum match exposure for teams, so that participants are better prepared to play stronger opposition in the years to come,” the ICC said in a statement. “This falls in line with the ICC’s commitment to deliver competitive cricket with context for all its members as it moves to continuously grow the women’s game.”

The matches will be played at Gahanga Cricket Stadium, a facility that has two adjoining grounds which host international cricket – Gahanga Cricket Stadium Main Oval and Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B.

“This tournament is a testament to the growth of Rwandan cricket and would not be possible without the unwavering support of our stakeholders, partners, and the ministry of sports,” president of Rwanda Cricket Association Stephen Musaale said. “To our incredible fans: we call on you to fill the stands at Gahanga with your energy and passion. Let us show the world the warmth of Rwandan hospitality as we cheer on our team in this historic chapter of our sporting journey.”

Schedule of matches

April 18: Rwanda vs Italy and Nepal vs USA
April 19: Rwanda vs Vanuatu and Italy vs Nepal
April 21: Rwanda vs USA and Vanuatu vs Italy
April 22: Rwanda vs Nepal and USA vs Vanuatu
April 24: Nepal vs Vanuatu and Italy vs USA
April 26: Rwanda vs Vanuatu and USA vs Nepal
April 27: Rwanda vs Italy and USA vs Vanuatu
April 28: Rwanda vs Nepal and Italy vs Vanuatu
April 30: Italy vs USA and Nepal vs Vanuatu
May 1: Rwanda vs USA and Italy vs Nepal

(The first matches will start at 9am local time and the second at 1pm local time)

Latest News

Canada T20 World Cup match under ICC corruption investigation

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/17

Priyan

A match Canada played against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup earlier this year is under scrutiny (cricinfo)

The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is investigating allegations of corruption involving Cricket Canada, one of which focuses on a game involving Canada from the recent men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

ESPNcricinfo understands the ACU has two active investigations that span elements of Cricket Canada and allegations of breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code at international and domestic level as well. The existence of the allegations emerged in a documentary ‘Corruption, Crime and Cricket’, produced by the fifth estate, a Canadian investigative documentary programme. The 43-minute film, aired by the public broadcaster CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) on Friday, makes wide-ranging accusations of corruption and governance at Canada Cricket.

According to the documentary the claim of corruption at the World Cup comes from Canada’s game against New Zealand. Under scrutiny is the fifth over of New Zealand’s chase when the captain Dilpreet Bajwa came on to bowl. Bajwa, then 22, was appoi ted captain three weeks before the tournament began.

Primarily a batting allrounder who bowls offspin, Bajwa took the ball with New Zealand 35 for 2. Canada had opened the bowling with pace in Jaskaran Singh and Dilon Heyliger, but in a poor start they conceded 15 and 14 runs respectively. They switched to spin as early as the third over, when Saad bin Zafar came on and bowled a wicket maiden. Heyliger took a wicket in the next over – the fourth – and then Bajwa came on. He began the over with a no-ball, bowled a wide down the leg side and ended up conceding 15 off the over.

The other investigation stems from a recording of a telephone call involving then Canada coach Khurram Chohan, in which he claims that senior (now former) Cricket Canada board members put pressure on him to select certain players to the national side. The audio was leaked last year and has been under ACU investigation since. The recording also contains claims of attempts to fix in matches, though those involve challenges in corroborating with actionable evidence.

“The ACU is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC,” Andrew Ephgrave, interim General Manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement to ESPNcricinfo. “Consistent with its established operating procedures, the ACU is not in a position to comment on the substance of any allegations contained within it.

“Governance matters in relation to ICC Members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the ICC’s standard constitutional processes.

“The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit operates across three core functions: intelligence, prevention and education, and investigation. These functions operate concurrently and are applied wherever there is a credible basis to believe the integrity of the sport may be at risk.”

The documentary also interviews another former coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, who makes a similar claim on undue influence being applied on him in squad selections, in his case for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The fifth estate said the board tried “to force” Dassanayake to select certain players and when he didn’t, he was told his contract would be terminated. Dassanayake is suing Cricket Canada for wrongful dismissal.

Canada’s players faced delayed payment of prize money due to them from the 2024 T20 World Cup and the documentary claims that national players were uncontracted from July 2025 and then put on small retainers for four months leading up to this year’s T20 World Cup.

The documentary also explores the links of organised crime after a former player claimed he was threatened. That investigation, Ephgrave told the fifth estate is beyond the ACU’s remit. “I am aware of some allegations. That very much is a domestic matter for whenever that is taking place. And very much a law enforcement responsibility,” Ephgrave said in the documentary.

(Cricinfo)

Sports

Jayasinghe siblings create unique record

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/17

Thilina Walpola

Methika Jayasinghe and sister Binuthi Jayasinghe walked away with MVP awards at the recent finals

Methika Jayasinghe and sister Binuthi Jayasinghe delivered exceptional performances at the recently concluded All-Island Under-20 Basketball Championship, securing championship titles and earning the prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in their respective categories.

The tournament, held from April 8 to April 11, 2026, featured the finest young basketball talent from across Sri Lanka. The girls’ final took place on April 10, followed by the boys’ final on April 11.

Representing Holy Family Convent, Colombo, Binuthi Jayasinghe played a pivotal role in her team’s triumph in the girls’ final, producing an outstanding performance with 25 points. Her dominance on the court, combined with her composure and technical ability, earned her the MVP award, marking her as one of the most promising young athletes in the sport. Notably, she is an Under-17 player who competed at the Under-20 level, making her achievement even more commendable.

In the boys’ competition, Methika Jayasinghe, representing St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, led his team as captain of the Under-20 side. Demonstrating exemplary leadership and consistent performance throughout the tournament, he guided his team to victory in the finals. His influence on the game and overall excellence were recognized with the awarding of the MVP title. Furthermore, Methika has achieved an outstanding record in school basketball, having won all championships in his age category without suffering a single defeat.

Both Methika and Binuthi also held Youth Captain roles, further highlighting their leadership qualities and importance to their respective teams.

Their dual achievement of securing both championship titles and MVP honours stands as a remarkable milestone, reflecting their dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence. The success of the Jayasinghe siblings at this national-level competition underscores their potential to make a significant impact on the future of Sri Lankan basketball.

Both their parents also represented Sri Lanka in basketball with distinction.