West Indies’ loss is Sri Lanka’s gain

Manchester: England opener Jonny Bairstow’s maiden one-day international century ensured West Indies suffered a seven-wicket defeat at Old Trafford on Tuesday that meant they could no longer gain direct entry to the 2019 World Cup.

Thus, Sri Lanka have become the eighth and last team to earn a direct qualification. West Indies’ seven-wicket defeat meant that they cannot move ahead of Sri Lanka (86 points) by September 30, the cut off mark for direct entry.

Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, join hosts England, India, Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa for the ICC’s showpiece event.

West Indies, the 1975 and 1979 World Cup champions had to win this five-match series 5-0, or 4-0 with a tie or no result, to avoid the indignity of going through qualifying for
the next edition in England in two years’ time. But Bairstow’s 100 not out saw England easily chase down a meagre target of 205 in a match reduced to 42 overs per side by a wet outfield as the hosts went 1-0 up with 67 balls to spare.

West Indies struggled to 204 for nine after a promising opening stand of 45 in 5.3 overs between Chris Gayle (37) and Evin Lewis (11).