Scotland vs. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe was knocked out of contention for a position in the 2023 ODI World Cup after a stunning 31-run defeat to Scotland in the Super Six match at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday (July 4). Scotland, who still have a game against the Netherlands, simply need to avoid a big defeat in that game to secure a ticket with Sri Lanka in the main event, which will be hosted in India in October-November.
Early on in their innings, when Zimbabwe was reduced to 29/3 in a 235-run chase, the in-form Sean Williams was dismissed for 12. This left Zimbabwe playing catch-up. Sikandar Raza got things going well, but after being out for 34, the hosts were left at 91/5. In an effort to resurrect the chase, Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere scored 73 runs for the sixth wicket.
Burl, though, was forced to play a lone hand as he was running low on help from the other end as a result of Madhevere’s wicket. Burl, who made an 83 despite struggling, fell in the same over after hitting a four and a six off Michael Leask. Zimbabwe had no trouble maintaining the needed rate, but they lost too many wickets and were ultimately bowled out for 203, shattering their aspirations.
Prior to this, Scotland’s top-order hitters made valuable contributions to set the tone for the innings after being asked to bat. However, Zimbabwe continued to make progress because of Williams’ three-wicket haul, leaving the opposition at 170/7 at one point. However, Michael Leask’s 48 from 34 balls helped Scotland record a respectable total, and he later contributed to its defense with his two wickets after Chris Sole, who bowled an incisive session, softened Zimbabwe by dismissing three of the top four.