Sri Lanka's cricket captain, Dasun Shanaka, expressed his relief and acknowledged the pressure his team faced in securing their spot for the Men's ODI World Cup. Sri Lanka accomplished this feat with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, but Shanaka emphasized that their journey is far from over, with their sights set on the upcoming mega event.
By securing qualification for the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, Sri Lanka ensures their continuous participation in every World Cup since the tournament's inception in 1975. As the 1996 champions and 2011 runners-up, Sri Lanka has a rich history in the World Cup, and Shanaka believes it is crucial for them to reclaim their position on the global stage.
While acknowledging the pressure surrounding their qualification, Shanaka revealed that the real challenge lies ahead in the World Cup itself. He stated, "I think that World Cup ahead is the main focus and main target for us, we are waiting to deliver there as well," highlighting the team's determination to perform at their best on cricket's grandest stage.
In their recent Super Six game at the Bulawayo Sports Club, Sri Lanka's off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana played a pivotal role in their victory. Theekshana's impressive figures of 4/25 helped dismiss Zimbabwe for 165. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka made an early impact by taking three wickets, reducing Zimbabwe to 30/3. Although Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza attempted a recovery, Theekshana's contributions swung the momentum back in Sri Lanka's favor. He eventually claimed the final wicket, setting up an achievable target of 166 for his team.
Sri Lanka's opener, Pathum Nissanka, delivered an outstanding performance by carrying his bat and reaching his second ODI century, finishing on 101 not out. With Nissanka's remarkable innings, Sri Lanka comfortably achieved victory with 101 balls remaining.
Reflecting on the team's journey through the qualifiers, Shanaka praised his players' skills and adaptability to the conditions. He emphasized the importance of sticking to their basics and utilizing their strengths in bowling and batting, regardless of the circumstances.
Sri Lanka's next challenge will be against the West Indies, who have already been eliminated from contention, in their final Super Six game. Shanaka made it clear that they will not underestimate their opponents and are committed to giving their best in every match. Following this game, Sri Lanka will proceed to the final on July 9 in Harare, where they will aim to conclude the tournament on a high note.
As Sri Lanka prepares to compete on the global stage once again, cricket fans eagerly anticipate their performance in the upcoming Men's ODI World Cup.