Scotland knock hosts Zimbabwe out, keep their World Cup 2023 qualification chances alive

Scotland is on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup 2023 in India after they beat Zimbabwe by 31 runs in Bulawayo on Tuesday. This marks the third time Scotland has caused an upset in the ongoing World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.

Ryan Burl’s 83 looked as though it might get the hosts out of trouble, but he was dismissed by Michael Leask, Scotland’s hero on the day, taking Zimbabwe’s hopes with him. The win moves Scotland level with Zimbabwe on six points in the Super Six, with one match still to play against the Netherlands.

With the Dutch also on four points, that game will decide who joins Sri Lanka in qualifying for the World Cup. 

Zimbabwe could have secured a place in India with a win in this game, but instead see their hopes of qualification ended, with their net run-rate worse than both the Dutch and the Scots. 

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Knowing that only a win would do in Bulawayo, Scotland battled to 234 for eight from their 50 overs before some inspired bowling carried them through, despite Burl’s best efforts. 

After being put into bat, Scotland started in a measured fashion. A 56-run opening stand ended in the 17th over when Christopher McBride was bowled by Tendai Chatara for 28. 

Opening partner Matthew Cross was next to go, the first of Sean Williams’s three victims, bowled for 38 to make it 102 for two. 

Brandon McMullen made a run-a-ball 34 but followed shortly after, with Williams removing him and skipper Richie Berrington (7). Suddenly, Scotland was 118 for four with 31.3 overs gone.

George Munsey (31) mounted some resistance but at 170 for seven, hopes of a big score seemed remote.

Leask had other ideas, smashing 48 from just 34 balls, while Mark Watt’s 21 not out helped Scotland reach 234 for eight, with 54 runs from the last five overs helping their cause.

Chris Sole (3/33) gave Scotland the dream start as Zimbabwe came out to bat, removing Joylord Gumbie caught behind off the very first ball. 

He added Craig Ervine and in-form Williams before Innocent Kai7a was trapped leg before by McMullen to leave Zimbabwe in trouble at 37 for four.

Sikandar Raza (34) is a man for the big occasion and started to rebuild with Burl, but was caught on the boundary off Chris Greaves after a 64-run stand. 

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In came Wessly Madhevere, struggling for form but not short of potential. He and Burl started to find their rhythm and looked like they might swing the game back Zimbabwe’s way. 

They put on 73 for the sixth wicket, before Mark Watt provided the crucial breakthrough, getting Madhevere LBW for 40. 

From there, Burl had to see his side through with the help of the tail, but no one could stick around. 

He took it upon himself to see home the chase, but after a four and a six off consecutive balls from Leask, he tried another big shot and could only find McMullen, departing for 83 with 38 still required. 

That proved beyond the final pair, Safyaan Sharif finishing it off in style by bowling Chatara for two. 

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