29 November 2022 10:43 am Views - 3161
Sri Lanka face an uphill task to secure direct qualification to next year’s 50-over World Cup, with Afghanistan confirming their spot following Sunday’s washed out second ODI in Pallekele.
The Afghans and the hosts took five Super League points each, keeping the visitors in seventh place in the table and guaranteeing them at least eighth position.
Hosts India and the seven highest-ranked other teams earn direct entry to the 2023 tournament.
Sri Lanka are now among four teams scrapping for the last remaining direct entry spot -- two-time champions West Indies, Ireland and South Africa, the other teams in contention.
Sri Lanka will be hoping for a win in the final ODI of the Afghanistan tour on Wednesday to boost their chances and tie the current three-match series.
Afghanistan won the first ODI by 60 runs on Friday.
As well as India, so far defending champions England, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan have also secured direct entry into next year's tournament.
The cut-off date for the final Super League standings is on May 31, 2023.
The remaining nations, who do not gain direct qualification, will have to play in the qualifying matches along with five associate teams for the final two spots in the 10-team World Cup.