The decision of the second ODI between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will directly affect Sri Lanka’s automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup. After this no decision game at Pallekele Sri Lanka will take only one Super League point from this match. Sri Lanka have one more ODI against Afghanistan tomorrow.

For Afghanistan, who had been on 110 Super League points before this match, a five-point gain (the number you are awarded for a no-result) on the table, takes them a step closer to automatic qualification.

In fact, they have now effectively ensured their spot at the World Cup, barring points deductions. Sri Lanka have to play one game against Afghanistan and three games against New Zealand in next year March in New Zealand.

Beating New Zealand in New Zealand is not an easy task. Sri Lanka is lying in 10th position while Ireland also ahead of Sri Lanka in ninth position. South Africa already in 11th place followed by Zimbabwe and Netherlands. In addition, South Africa have to play another ten matches at this Super League