The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier warm-up matches in Zimbabwe witnessed impressive victories by West Indies, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka against UAE, Scotland, and USA, respectively.
These wins have propelled these teams, along with Netherlands and Nepal, into the group stages of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier with a flawless record in the warm-up matches. The official ICC website shared the details of the triumphs, which paved the way for their advancement.
The West Indies clashed with UAE at Takashinga, Harare, where they amassed a commanding total of 374 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs.
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Rovman Powell’s quickfire century (105) and Nicholas Pooran’s contribution of 74 runs bolstered their score. UAE’s response saw them reach 260 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs, with Basil Hameed’s unbeaten 122 runs standing out. Ultimately, the West Indies emerged victorious with a resounding 114-run win.
Zimbabwe encountered Scotland at Old Hararians, Harare, with the latter being bowled out for 163 runs in 38.2 overs. Brandon McMullen’s top score of 49 runs was not enough to mount a significant challenge.
Zimbabwe chased down the target comfortably in 24.5 overs with 6 wickets in hand. Sikandar Raza’s 44 runs and contributions of 37 runs each from Joylord Gumbie and Craig Ervine solidified Zimbabwe’s triumph, prevailing by 6 wickets.
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Sri Lanka took on the USA at Bulawayo Athletics Club, Bulawayo, setting an imposing total of 392 runs for 5 wickets in 50 overs. Dimuth Karunaratne’s unbeaten century (111) and Kusal Mendis’ contribution of 105 runs powered their team’s commanding score.
In response, the USA crumbled and were dismissed for 194 runs in 33.2 overs. Monank Patel fought back with 68 runs, but Matheesha Pathirana’s exceptional performance of taking 4 wickets for 23 runs sealed Sri Lanka’s triumph, winning by a staggering 198 runs.
Netherlands faced Ireland at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, where Ireland’s innings concluded at 193 runs in 39.2 overs. Wesley Barresi’s outstanding knock of 90 runs guided the Netherlands to a nerve-wracking 2-wicket victory. Ben White’s impressive bowling figures of 5 wickets for 61 runs played a pivotal role in the win.
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Nepal battled Oman at Harare Sports Club, Harare, witnessing Oman posting a total of 267 runs all out in 49.2 overs, with Zeeshan Maqsood’s century (109) as the standout performance.
Nepal displayed resilience and successfully chased down the target with 3 wickets remaining and 44.5 overs to spare. Kushal Bhurtel’s unbeaten 101 runs anchored their successful chase, while Aqib Ilyas’ spell of 4 wickets for 42 runs for Oman was noteworthy.
These victories have propelled West Indies, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Nepal into the group stages of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive tournament.
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