Sri Lanka in a must win situation
Following their 60-run loss in the opening ODI on Friday, Sri Lanka will look to bounce back in the second ODI against Afghanistan today to keep the three-match series alive.
Barring Pathum Nissanka’s 85 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s breezy 66 off 46-balls, none of the Sri Lankan batters could make significant contribution as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 234 in the 38th over, chasing 295 to win. The defeat saw Sri Lanka losing crucial World Cup Super League points, leaving them in a must win situation in the remaining five ODIs to earn a direct qualification to the 2024 World Cup.
Each team in the Super League play three ODIs against eight other teams, four of these are home series and four are away series. At the end of the cycle only the top eight teams will earn direct qualification while the rest will play a qualifying round to earn one of the two remaining spot in the 10-team tournament in 2024.
With six wins, 12 defeats and one no result, Sri Lanka is placed 10th in the table with a total of 62 points. Their next assignment is against New Zealand in New Zealand.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, take a big step towards sealing their World Cup place. With 110 points now they are placed seventh.
Before Afghanistan seamers destroyed Sri Lanka batting order, their top order laid a solid platform to put on a formidable target on the board.