Sri Lanka, Scotland face off in Group B top of the table clash

THE last round of the group matches in the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers is set for today and a top of the table clash between Sri Lanka and Scotland is on the cards at Queens Sports Club.

Both teams are unbeaten, having won three of their opening matches and today’s winner will finish at the top of Group B, and also take a two-point advantage into the Super Six. The winner in today’s game will proceed to the next stage with four points thus there is all to play for at Queens Sports Club.

Sri Lanka has not had any difficulties against their opponents in the first three games. They have looked in good shape, showing no mercy and are favourites to top the group. However, Scotland has played good cricket so far and hase what it takes to win against anyone.

Lankan head coach, Chris Silverwood is expecting a tough outing against the Saltires who are also in good form.

Silverwood said that the pressure is still there on his team as they will need the points going into the Super Six.

“We are delighted to have made it into the Super Six in the fashion that we have but obviously the points system and how it works, the Scotland game is a big game. We are expecting a tough game, Scotland have been playing some positive cricket just like us so it’s going to be a tough game,” he said.

Silverwood, who won the World Cup with England in 2019, said managing to adapt and having a clear plan has been key to their success.

Going into the Super Six, Sri Lanka, alongside Scotland and Oman, will face three teams from Group A whom they did not play against in the group stages.

The three Group A sides are Netherlands, West Indies and the hosts, Zimbabwe and Silverwood believes it will be another tough challenge for them but will prepare for every team.

“I have been watching all of them and Zimbabwe is playing very good cricket at the moment as confirmed by their game against West Indies on Saturday. We know how dangerous the West Indies can be and what it means is that there are many teams that can cause an upset. We have to respect all teams and prepare for each game,” said Silverwood.

There will be another Group B encounter taking place today between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The two teams both failed to make it to the Super Six. The two nations are winless having lost their first three opening matches and both teams will be in need of a win to end the group games with some points.

Both matches start at 9am while Super Six matches begin on Thursday in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe will play the first Super Six match and their opponents in that match will be decided by the outcome in the game between Sri Lanka and Scotland. – @brandon_malvin