The West Indies on Tuesday lost the opening ODI of the five-match series against England which led to  Sri Lanka qualify for the ICC World Cup 2019. Jonny Bairstow hit 100 not out off 97 balls which helped England to win over Westindies at the Old Trafford.

With this win, England leads with 1-0 in the series and they also ended the Indies hope of direct qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 which is also scheduled to hold in the United Kingdom. They cannot move ahead of Sri Lanka (86 points) on the ICC ODI Team Rankings.

Sri Lanka's ODI captain Upul Tharanga said: "It's no secret that we (Sri Lanka) have been going through a tough time, but I want to say a big, big thank you to our fans who've kept faith with us when things looked bleak.

"ICC events have always brought out the magic in Sri Lanka cricket, and I look forward to proving that once again.

"We have a clear plan for the World Cup, and we will work hard at achieving each step. As we say in the dressing room, - Little 'w's (wins) add up to make the big 'W' (win) - so that's what we'll be focusing on and I know you will see Sri Lanka's special brand of cricket out there once again soon."

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