Scotland knocks Zimbabwe out to raise World Cup hopes

Wednesday, 5 July 2023 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In a decisive clash in Bulawayo, Scotland not only beat Zimbabwe but also knocked their hopes of reaching the World Cup out of the window with a brilliant win on the back of a superb bowling performance.

Zimbabwe, after an unbeaten run into the Super Six stage of the competition, have crashed out of contention after back-to-back losses to Sri Lanka and Scotland.

Scotland put into bat first scored 234 for the loss of 8 wickets and Zimbabwe was bowled out for 203 in 41.1 overs. Top scorer for Scotland was Michael Leask 48 off 34 balls. Matthew Cross (38), Brandon McMullen (34), George Munsey (31), Christopher McBride (28) and Mark Watt (21 not out) chipped in. Part time bowler Sean Williams excelled for Zimbabwe with 3 for 41.

In reply Zimbabwe lost three early wickets for 29 runs with Chris Sole ripping through the top order batsmen of ICC WC23 qualifier host country. Ryan Burl 83 off 84 balls inspired hope but he got out when Zimbabwe was 9-197. Wessly Madhevere scored 40 off 39 balls and Sikandar Raza 34 off 40 balls but the home team couldn’t muster enough.

The Netherlands-Scotland match on Thursday becomes a virtual eliminator with the winner booking their spot alongside Sri Lanka for Cricket World Cup 2023.