The West Indies and Sri Lanka have been placed in opposing groups for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, which will be held in Zimbabwe from June 18 to July 9.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the groupings for the vital three-week tournament on Tuesday, with the West Indies joining tournament hosts Zimbabwe, European side the Netherlands, emerging Asian nation Nepal, and the ever-improving USA in Group A.
Only the top two teams from the 10-team event will win a trip to the 50-over showcase in India at the end of the year, so Shai Hope’s charges will need to be at their best if they are to qualify for this year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers
The West Indies will face familiar opponents in Zimbabwe and the Netherlands, as all three teams advanced to the Qualifier via their finishes in the inaugural ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, while Nepal and the USA earned their places through League 2 play and the recent Qualifier Play-off, respectively.
Sri Lanka will also face difficult opponents in Group B in Zimbabwe, with matches against Ireland, Scotland, Oman, and the UAE.
Sri Lanka finished 10th in the Super League rankings, one position behind the West Indies, and will be looking for a top-two finish in Zimbabwe to retain their outstanding record of participating in every World Cup.
ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Qualifiers
The West Indies have also been in all 12 editions of the World Cup, while Zimbabwe is the next most successful qualifying team, having competed in nine tournaments so far.
Nepal, the USA, and Oman have never qualified for the World Cup and will attempt to make their first participation by finishing in the top two in the qualifier.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice says Zimbabwe’s ten teams are fairly closely matched and anticipates a close game amongst all sides.
“The countdown to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is nearing completion, and this event presents a great chance for teams to earn a place in the highest event of one-day cricket.” “The stakes don’t get any higher in what will be a highly competitive event attended by fans eager to see who will join the eight teams who have already booked their flights to India,” Allardice added.
“With two former Men’s Cricket World Cup champions among the contenders, as well as emerging cricket nations attempting to qualify for the first time, this one-of-a-kind event involving teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe will be a showcase of the global game.”
ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers Schedule
Here is the complete schedule
| Sr. | Match | Date | Venue |
| 1 | Zimbabwe v Nepal | 18 June | Harare Sports Club |
| 2 | West Indies v USA | 18 June | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 3 | Sri Lanka v UAE | 19 June | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 4 | Ireland v Oman | 19 June | Bulawayo Athletic Club |
| 5 | Zimbabwe v Netherlands | 20 June | Harare Sports Club |
| 6 | Nepal v USA | 20 June | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 7 | Ireland v Scotland, | 21 June | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 8 | Oman v UAE | 21 June | Bulawayo Athletic Club |
| 8 | West Indies v Nepal | 22 June | Harare Sports Club |
| 10 | Netherlands v USA | 22 June | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 11 | Sri Lanka v Oman | 23 June | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 12 | Scotland v UAE | 23 June | Bulawayo Athletic Club |
| 13 | Zimbabwe v West Indies | 24 June | Harare Sports Club |
| 14 | Netherlands v Nepal | 24 June | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 15 | Sri Lanka v Ireland | 25 June | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 16 | Scotland v Oman | 25 June | Bulawayo Athletic Club |
| 17 | Zimbabwe v USA | 26 June | Harare Sports Club |
| 18 | West Indies v Netherlands | 26 June | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 19 | Sri Lanka v Scotland | 27 June | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 20 | Ireland v UAE | 27 June | Bulawayo Athletic Club |
| Super 6 | |||
| 21 | A2 v B2, | 29 June | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 22 | A3 v B1 | 30 June | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 23 | A5 v B4 | 30 June | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 24 | A1 v B3 | July 1 | Harare Sports Club |
| 25 | A2 v B1 | July 2 | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 26 | A4 v B5 | July 2 | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 27 | A3 v B2 | July 3 | Harare Sports Club |
| 29 | A2 v B3 | July 4 | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 29 | 7th v 8th | July 4 | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 30 | A1 v B2 | July 5 | Harare Sports Club |
| 31 | A3 v B3 | July 6 | Queen’s Sports Club |
| 32 | 9th v 10th | July 6 | Takashinga Cricket Club |
| 33 | A1 v B1 | July 7 | Harare Sports Club |
| 34 | Final | July 9 | Harare Sports Club |
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