World Cup 2023: High-flying Afghanistan qualify for 2025 Champions Trophy after Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in what was a dramatic encounter in match 38 of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Nov 6) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Opting to bowl first, Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangla Tigers dismissed the Lankans for 279 in 49.3 overs, with Charith Asalanka top-scoring with 108, and won the game in 41.3 overs courtesy of Shakib's 82 and Najmul Hossain Shanto's 90.

With the result, Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan have officially qualified for the 2025 Champions Trophy to be heldin Pakistan.Barring the hosts, the top seventeams from the ongoing World Cupwill directly qualify to play in the next 50-over ICC tournament. SinceAfghanistan are now set to finish in the seventh position, they will feature in their first-ever Champions Trophy.

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Afghanistan have had a dream run in this year's 50-over World Cup. After losing to Bangladesh in their tournament opener, the Afghans have fought well and defeated the likes of defending champions England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands to keep their semifinal hopes alive. They take on five-time winners Australia in match 39 on Tuesday (Nov 7) at theWankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Talking about the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka encounter, the contest was a controversial affair after Angelo Mathews became the first-ever batter to be timed out in international cricket. Following this, tempers were flying throughout the game which also saw players from both sides refusing to shake hands after the final result.