Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 101 as Sri Lanka booked their place at the 50-over World Cup in India with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe in a qualifying match in Bulawayo on Sunday.

Sri Lanka move to 8 points in the Super Six stage of the preliminary tournament and cannot finish outside of the top two teams, who both earn a place at World Cup, which will be played from October 5-November 19.

Zimbabwe have 6 points and remain in contention, but must beat Scotland (4 points) in their final game on Tuesday to make sure they progress.

Sri Lanka chose to field first and restricted Zimbabwe to 165 all out in 32.2 overs as off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana claimed career-best figures of 4/25 and Dilshan Madushanka took 3/15. The Lankans then reach the target with 101 balls remaining.

"We knew with the team we have got, we were going to qualify for the World Cup," Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said at the post-match presentation.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 165 in 32.2 overs (Maheesh Theekshana 4/25). Sri Lanka 169/1 in 33.1 ovs (Pathum Nissanka 101 n.o.). Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets.

Reuters