Ireland vs. Sri Lanka in Bulawayo
Wanindu Hasaranga’s third wicket and Dimuth Karunaratne’s first ODI century helped Sri Lanka defeat Ireland by 133 runs, ending their chances of qualifying for the 50-over World Cup later this year. Ireland suffered their third straight loss in the qualifications despite Mark Adair’s four-wicket haul, while Sri Lanka maintained their lead in the standings.
Barry McCarthy, who was given the opportunity to bat, quickly and cheaply bowled Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, shocking Sri Lanka early on. The Sri Lankan innings was stabilized, though, by a 168-run partnership between Sadeera Samarawickrama and Karunaratne.
Only four boundaries were hit by Smaarawickrama in his 86-ball 82. Charith Asalanka and Dhanajaya de Silva added quick runs in the last overs to assist Sri Lanka surpass the 300-run threshold after the duo left the pitch in rapid succession. Late in the Sri Lankan innings, Adair scooped up three wickets and bowled them out, although they still managed to score 325.
When the openers were early wickets were taken by the new-ball pair of Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara, and Ireland was never in the chase. The middle order was then destroyed by Hasaranaga, who never gave them a chance. Ireland was bowled out for 192 runs as Sri Lanka dominated despite the fact that he was struck for 79 runs.
Oman vs. Scotland
Scotland defeated Oman by a comfortable margin of 76 runs, their third straight victory in the competition, thanks in large part to Brendon McMullen’s first ODI century. Oman did, however, make it through to the Super Sixes despite the defeat.
When Scotland was put to bat, their opener Christopher McBride was out for a duck after one over. With an 82-run stand between Matthew Cross and McMullen, Scotland eventually had the upper hand. Even after Cross was fired, Oman was unable to recover. After that, McMullen and captain Richie Berrington, who scored his 17th ODI fifty, added 138 runs together. The collaboration laid the groundwork for Scotland’s 320 even as Bilal Khan used a fifer to start a late collapse.
Oman’s chase never really got underway, and by the 32nd over, they were down to 120 for 6. The bottom order tossed their bats around and contributed usefully when the necessary rate increased and there weren’t many wickets in hand. Chris Greaves dismissed Shoaib Khan and Naseem Khushi after they had combined for 105 runs for the seventh wicket. Chris Greaves then held Oman to 244 for 9 runs.