Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka are currently in a strong position to secure the final two qualifying spots for the Cricket World Cup, while the West Indies are at risk of missing out for the first time. Both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have won all four of their group matches and carry four points each into the Super Six stage of the qualifiers.
Zimbabwe’s strong batting, including a national record 408-6 against the USA, has given them confidence heading into the next stage. Sri Lanka, who were world champions in 1996, have also had a relatively easy group stage and will face the Netherlands next. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been a key player for Sri Lanka with 18 wickets.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have a promising future, but the West Indies are struggling after losing to the hosts and the Netherlands. The former champions, who won the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979, need to win against Scotland, Oman and Sri Lanka to have a chance of qualifying. Coach Daren Sammy, who led the West Indies to two T20 World Cup titles, understands the challenges ahead and believes that they need to hit rock bottom before they can rise again.
The Netherlands and Scotland both have two points and are confident that they can compete against the best teams in the world. Logan van Beek, who played a key role in the Netherlands’ victory over the West Indies, believes that the more they play against top teams, the better they will become.
