T20 World Cup 2021: Sri Lanka becomes the first to qualify to top 12

Sri Lanka registered a massive 70-run win over Ireland in a Group A match to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 on Wednesday. Although a match is left to play, Sri Lanka has already confirmed their place in the top 12.

Sent in to bat, Wanindu Hasaranga (71) and Pathum Nissanka (61) hit scintillating half-centuries. However, Sri Lanka recovered from a top-order collapse to post a competitive 171 for 7. The former champion then dished out a clinical bowling display, led by Mahesh Theekshana (3/17). The Lankans dismissed Ireland for 101 in 18.3 overs. They claim their second successive win of the tournament and top the group with four points. Moreover, they are already qualified for the Super 12 with a match being left to play.

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Ireland couldn't get any momentum during the chase and lost wickets in regular intervals to eventually fall way short of the target. Andrew Balbirnie's men will now have to beat Namibia to make the Super 12s. Earlier, left-arm medium-pacer Josh Little (4/23) returned with his best figures but the other bowlers couldn't sustain the pressure on Sri Lanka batters.

The Qualification Rounds Points Table of T20 World Cup 2021 :

The T20 World Cup 2021 Group Stages involving eight teams in two groups got underway on October 17 in the UAE.

Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Irelands, Netherlands, and debutant Namibia. On the other hand, Bangladesh has placed along with co-host Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the Super12 stage that begins on October 23.

However, let's look at the points table after Sri Lanka's thumping win against Ireland to qualify for the Super 12.

GROUP A

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GROUP B

N.B: The stats are accurate as of 20/10/2021.