Cricket World Cup League 2: State of Play on road to 2027
Pitting the best in the men's Associate game, Cricket World Cup League 2 has again thrown up intriguing storylines and headline moments, as its eight teams fight for four automatic Cricket World Cup Qualifier spots.
With the table starting to take shape, a look at how each team is travelling in their aspirations of reaching the 14-team global tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027.
20 matches, 28 points (14 wins, 6 losses)
The amount of individual talent oozing in American cricket is reflected in their position at the top of the table, and the side have welcomed back proven winner Pubudu Dassanayake, who takes coaching reins of the team for a second time.
The Americans boast the top two run-scorers in the competition thus far in Monank Patel (746 at 41.44) and Milind Kumar (682 at 52.46), with Sai Mukkamalla's 612 also coming at an average of 47.07.
The side have been able to win in different ways in the competition, not only putting up a 169-run win over rivals Canada, but defending just 122 against Oman in Al-Amerat back in February, the lowest total defended in Men's ODI history (not counting revised matches due to weather).
Kumar (20 wickets), Nosthush Kenjige (27) and Harmeet Singh (22) have tied down opposition with spin, while fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar, who has 27 wickets of his own in the cycle, has become the first American to reach 100 scalps in the format.
A Super Over defeat in their recent home series against Oman may leave a sour taste in the mouth, but the Americans have so far matched their lofty expectations in the campaign.
USA v Canada | Match Highlights | ICC Men's CWCL2 2023-27
USA put up 286 in their Cricket World Cup League 2 meeting with Canda in Lauderhill
20 matches, 26 points (12 wins, 6 losses, 2 no-results)
It's been a strong start for the team in orange, who have dropped just one match at home, and picked up points on tough overseas assignments in Nepal, Oman and Namibia.
Aryan Dutt's 6/34 early in the campaign in Nepal against Namibia sent an early competition warning shot, and the side claimed a win over the hosts in Kirtipur, only underlining their status as competition heavyweights.
Scott Edwards' side claimed a victory over UAE in Oman, before going unbeaten on a tour of Namibia, albeit with two no-results.
Impeded by player availability, the team have shared the load with the bat, though Max O'Dowd has brought consistency at the top of the order, making 668 runs at a tick under 40. With the ball Kyle Klein has stepped up, taking 32 wickets at just 15.81, while Paul van Meekeren has displayed his quality, taking his 28 wickets at just 16.03.
The side travel north to Scotland to take on Richie Berrington's side and Nepal for their next tri-series, beginning on June 2.
20 matches, 24 points (11 wins, 7 losses, 2 no-results)
A successful tour of the USA with almost a completely reshuffled team has given Oman's League 2 campaign new life, and a realistic path to a top four spot come the end of the cycle.
At one point looking destined for a bottom four finish, losing the likes of Aqib Ilyas and Zeeshan Maqsood among a mass departure, new skipper Jatinder Singh has returned to form, making waves in a match-winning performance over the USA.
It's been a change of tack on the bowling front too that has led to the Omani push, with left-arm orthodox spinner Shakeel Ahmed both leading Oman's attack and sitting atop the competition wicket tally with 39 wickets at an astonishing average of just 11.15.
There may have been doubts if Shakeel would be able to match his home efforts while on the road, though Shakeel showed his guile with nine wickets across their four matches in Florida.
While doubts may continue to hover over the batting depth, the spin bowling attack and a likely return for quick Bilal Khan should ensure the team from the sultanate remain in the hunt.
USA v Oman | Match Highlights | ICC Cricket World Cup League 2
Oman clinched a thriller with a Super Over victory against the USA in League 2 action in Lauderhill
16 matches, 20 points (9 wins, 5 losses, 2 no-results)
There should be comfort for the Scots knowing that while they remain in a strong position for automatic Qualifier spots, they still have the ability to improve.
The defending champions were sluggish in their start, dropping two matches to Canada in UAE, though have claimed eight wins in their last 11 completed fixtures.
In individual matches, the Scots have shown they have the firepower to match anyone, including the sides they would take on if they were to qualify for the World Cup proper.
The side put up the competition's highest total in history, making 380/9 in their 50 overs, with tons from Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington, as well as a half-century from the aggressive George Munsey.
Munsey averages over 60 in his 12 competition innings, with Berrington and McMullen going at rates of 50.11 and 48.41 respectively.
The crafty medium pace of McMullen (22 wickets) has been an immense help for the Scottish bowling cause, with left-armer Brad Currie (26 wickets at 24.50) leading the line-up.
Fellow quick Charlie Cassell also made headlines, Kagiso Rabada's nine-year-old record for best bowling figures on debut in Men's ODIs with figures of 7/21.
Charlie Cassell's record-breaking seven-for on debut | SCO v OMA | CWCL2 23-27
Charlie Cassell picked 7/21 on debut
20 matches, 20 points (9 wins, 9 losses, 2 no-results)
The Canadians enjoyed a promotion bounce of sorts early in their first League 2 campaign, though a dip in form has pulled them back in a mid-table fight.
The side have won just one match in the 2025 calendar year, that too only in a Super Over against Namibia.
Ruing the absence of Nicholas Kirton, responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of Harsh Thaker and Pargat Singh, the only players in the side with over 400 runs to their name.
With the ball, Dilon Heyliger remains a consistent wicket-taker (35) alongside Kaleem Sana (31), though the side will want more out of their spin attack. Saad Bin Zafar still has 20 wickets in 19 outings, though the left-armer averages over 34, and has a higher ceiling to reach.
Canada v UAE | Match Highlights | CWC League 2
20 matches, 14 points (7 wins, 13 losses)
It's been a frustrating start for Gerhard Erasmus' side, who begin the campaign with just seven wins in 20 outings, and at risk of missing out on an automatic spot for the Qualifier.
The Eagles are too going through a transition on and off the field, with former international and T20 World Cup hero Craig Williams taking the head coach position, made vacant by the departing Pierre de Bruyn.
Williams' first task will be to lock in a set line-up, with 21 players featuring thus far in their 20-match campaign and just three players featuring in every match. The side have struggle to settle on their desired batting order, and Michael van Lingen's retirement adds a further dent to their stocks.
There are glimmers of hope though, particularly on the bowling side. Bernard Scholtz and Erasmus have claimed 68 wickets between them through their spin, with a young pace battery of Ben Shikongo and Jack Brassell starting to emerge alongside Ruben Trumpelmann who should be fit to fly again at top pace.
A look at the FNB Namibia Cricket Stadium
16 matches, 6 points (3 wins, 13 losses)
United Arab Emirates effectively gave the rest of the field a headstart with three successive defeats at home to begin the campaign, and little has improved with the side only ahead of Nepal on net run rate.
Even the Nepalis have four matches in hand over the Emiratis, a side going through a transition of their own having played 26 players in their first 16 outings.
While continuity has been a struggle, there have been glimpses, with wins over The Netherlands and Scotland showing the potential quality in the group. Rahul Chopra has stepped up in both wins with the bat, while the emergence of spinner Simranjeet Singh has been another positive in the campaign.
Their recent run of form in T20I cricket should also be a source of inspiration, having beaten Bangladesh in a home series, just their second series win in the format over a Full Member.
Their next tri-series is at home with against the Nepal and the USA, a crucial assignment should they want to make a move.
Scotland v UAE | Match Highlights | ICC Cricket World Cup League 2
A blistering century from skipper Rahul Chopra landed UAE a big win over Scotland in their Cricket World Cup League 2 clash.
12 matches, 6 points (2 wins, 8 losses, 2 no-results)
Rohit Paudel's side dropped three of four matches at home to begin the cycle, and only added four more points in the next two tri-series in North America, beating Scotland in a neutral match in Dallas to go with two no-results.
It's an all too familiar story for the Nepalis who were also sluggish in the last cycle, though their last campaign should also serve as inspiration, having battled back to an automatic Qualifier spot thanks to 11 wins in their final 12 matches.
The side welcome new coach Stuart Law after Monty Desai's contract was not renewed, and also have eight games in hand over Scotland, Canada and The Netherlands.
Their next tri-series begins on June 2 in Scotland, where they'll also face the Dutch.
Nepal v Scotland | Match Highlights | ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2
Nepal v Scotland | Match Highlights | ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 ICC CWC League 2, 2023-27News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
'F1' movie star Brad Pitt finally gets to drive a Formula One car
Brad Pitt, whose new F1 movie is out next week, has now driven a Formula One car for real after testing a McLaren at Austin's Circuit of the Americas. The reigning world champions confirmed the Hollywood A lister drove a 2023 McLaren MCL60 car at the Texas track recently. Media reports said the British-based team had been carrying out a private test with F1 regular Lando Norris and F2 driver Alex Dunne. It was the first time 61-year-old Pitt, who plays the fictional racing driver Sonny Hayes in the Apple Originals movie, had driven a real Formula One car on track. The cars used in the making of the film were Formula Two cars, modified by Mercedes to look like real grand prix racers. Champions McLaren had teased the drive with a social media post of overalls with the initials BP and the caption "It's a Sonny day in Austin". Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, a co-producer of the movie, said in March that Pitt had shown real speed while testing the F2 cars. "Watching Brad drive around at speeds over 180 miles an hour was really impressive to see because it's not something you can just learn overnight," he said. "The dedication and the focus that Brad put into this process has been amazing to witness."
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Football: After heat, Club World Cup weathers storms and threat of lightning
21 June 2025 16:15 (REUTERS)From stifling heat to thunderstorms, the Club World Cup has been at the mercy of the extremes of the American summer, with the threat of lightning now forcing players to retreat to the tunnels while fans seek shelter as matches are suddenly soaring temperatures and oppressive humidity initially fuelled concerns among players and fans, it is the crackling skies and pouring rain that have emerged as the tournament's most disruptive match in Orlando between Benfica and Auckland City was suspended after halftime for nearly two hours due to a lightning storm in the the same venue on Tuesday, fans had barely settled into their seats when the referee ordered Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns to return to the dressing rooms, with the match delayed for more than an hour due to the threat of witnessed an even longer interruption when a severe thunderstorm suspended Red Bull Salzburg's clash with Pachuca for more than 90 and Al Ahly saw their contest in New Jersey halted for 50 minutes due to lightning near MetLife Stadium."Your attention please. For your safety, we are going to have everyone leave the Seating Bowl area and take shelter inside the stadium because of severe weather in the area," said a safety message flashed on the big screens in the arena."Event staff are available to guide and assist you. Those on the field, please walk calmly to the nearest tunnel... or to the service corridor." Threat of Lightning Heavy rain is often the X-factor for the home side on a cold, wet night in Stoke -- which lends itself to the famous English soccer cliche -- but the same cannot be said in the United to the country's National Weather Service (NWS), 75% of lightning-related deaths in the last decade occurred from June to organisers FIFA have weather protocols in place to ensure the safety of those on the pitch and in the there is lightning within 10 miles (16.09 km) of the stadium, an automatic match suspension is match director is informed, who in turn asks the referee to stop play. The storm is monitored before players are called back out, with the warm-up time before the restart dictated by the time they spent off the pitch. Fans are also asked to leave the stands and find shelter in the concourse, with one source saying the stadiums had the capacity to keep them inside until the storm passed.
The National
a day ago
- The National
Club World Cup: Esperance clinch dramatic win while Harry Kane sends Bayern Munich through
Esperance de Tunis kept their Club World Cup hopes alive as the enigmatic Youcef Belaili scored in the 70th minute while goalkeeper Ben Said saved a penalty deep in second-half stoppage time to help defeat Los Angeles FC 1-0 in a dramatic contest in Nashville. Victory took Esperance level with Chelsea in Group D in second spot, after the English side lost 3-1 to Brazil's Flamengo earlier on Friday. In the game on Friday, referee Espen Eskas awarded a very late spot kick following a video review, ruling Khalil Guenichi had felled Marlon in the area. But Denis Bouanga drove his ensuing penalty kick into the dive of Said, the final salvo in a result that eliminated LA FC from tournament contention. The winners of Esperance's clash with Chelsea on Tuesday in Philadelphia will move on to the knockout phase. The Tunisians had an earlier penalty decision go against them 20 minutes before Belaili 's opener, when the Algerian attacker believed he had earned a spot kick after driving past Bouanga on the dribble. But Eskas was summoned to the monitor, and after consulting replays, ruled Bouanga wasn't guilty of a foul, and booked Belaili for simulation. That failed to halt the momentum for Esperance, however, who were the better side for most of the encounter and did allow LA FC to record a shot on target until second-half stoppage time. They were eventually rewarded when Amine Ben Hamida made a marauding run from the left flank. He was eventually halted by an LA's defence. But Belaili was first to the loose ball, and he drove his finish low and hard through goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. It appeared LA FC's fading tournament hopes would be given a lifeline after Eskas's second penalty decision, with the Gabon international Bouanga stepping forward. But Said dove to his left, and with Bouanga's placement very poor, the Tunisian goalkeeper kicked the ball wide of danger with his trailing leg. Harry Kane delighted Bayern Munich's England striker Harry Kane said he is relishing the Club World Cup 's 'special' atmosphere and is confident the German team can now go all the way. Kane scored the opener for Bayern in a 2-1 win over Argentina's Boca Juniors at Hard Rock Stadium that took his side through to the last 16. He said it had been a tough challenge in the heat and humidity of South Florida. 'There's something special about these World Cup games and next year will be the same,' he said with a nod to the 2026 World Cup. 'When you come off that pitch and you're sweating and you're dripping and you're cramping and you've given everything on the pitch. There's a special feeling inside, especially when you win. That's what we had today.' Boca responded to Kane's opener through Miguel Merentiel, but Michael Olise sealed the win six minutes from time. 'Really tough game. I thought the first half was really good, I mean we probably should have been 2 or 3-0 up. They hung in the game and the second half made it more difficult,' said Kane, who acknowledged the incredible support of more than 55,000 Boca fans in the 63,587 crowd. 'I mean it felt like an away game out there for sure, their fans were really loud. It was a great experience to play in front of them and I think that's what makes the win even more special, because it feels like a good away win,' he said. 'So we're really happy, really pleased and we'll sleep well tonight.' Bayern's win was the first for a European team against South American opposition in the tournament and Kane said he was enjoying pitting himself against opponents European clubs rarely face. 'I think it's great to experience different teams and I think you've seen in this tournament already, the South American teams especially have caused big problems for some of the European teams.
