Cricket News

World Cup Qualifier Complete Schedule

by
Zainab Shafiq
May 23, 2023

Table of Contents

The schedule for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier has been unveiled, marking the next chapter in the journey to the prestigious event set to take place in Zimbabwe from 18 June to 9 July 2023.

With two coveted spots at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India up for grabs, every match in the qualifier holds immense significance for the participating teams, who aim to secure their spot in the ODI global showpiece, guaranteeing them nine thrilling matches.

The ten teams have been divided into two groups of five. Group A consists of hosts Zimbabwe, the West Indies, the Netherlands, Nepal, and the United States, while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

In the group stage, each team will face the others in their group once, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six stage. In the Super Six, they will compete against the teams they haven’t encountered in the group stage.

During the Super Six stage, the points earned in the group stage will carry over, except for those acquired against teams failing to reach the Super Six stage. The top two finalists in the Super Six will secure their places in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The matches will be held at Queen’s Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo, as well as Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare. These venues will witness a total of 34 matches, culminating with the final match at Harare Sports Club on 9 July. Additionally, warm-up fixtures will be hosted by the Old Hararians Cricket Club.

The tournament’s opening match at Harare Sports Club on 18 June will feature hosts Zimbabwe against Nepal, who aspire to qualify for their maiden Men’s Cricket World Cup. Two-time champions West Indies will also commence their campaign on the same day against neighboring team USA at Takashinga Cricket Club.

Group B will kick off on 19 June in Bulawayo, with 1996 World Cup champions Sri Lanka taking on the United Arab Emirates at Queen’s Sports Club. Simultaneously, Ireland will face Oman in another match at Bulawayo Athletic Club.

The action continues on 20 June as the Netherlands clashes with Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, while Scotland battles rivals Ireland at Queen’s Sports Club on 21 June. The Super Six stage will commence on 29 June, while the bottom two teams from each group will compete in the Playoff.

Notably, the tournament will witness the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) for all matches from the Super Six stage onwards, enhancing the fairness and accuracy of decision-making.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier is the culmination of four years of fierce competition, bringing together the bottom five teams from the ICC Men’s CWC Super League, three automatic qualifiers from the ICC Men’s CWC League 2, and two teams who secured entry through the ICC Men’s CWC Qualifier Play-off.

This highly anticipated event, featuring former Men’s Cricket World Cup champions and emerging cricket nations striving to qualify for the first time, promises to be a captivating showcase of the global game.

Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani expressed excitement about the upcoming tournament, emphasizing the remarkable cricketing spectacle that awaits fans. It presents an opportunity not only to demonstrate Zimbabwe’s passion for cricket but also to showcase the warmth of its people and the breathtaking beauty of the country and its tourist attractions.

Here is the schedule for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier