Michael Leask helped Scotland to a stunning 31-run victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday to set up a winner-takes-all clash with the Netherlands for a place at the World Cup.
Zimbabwe knocked out of World Cup.
For the second time in two Qualifiers, Zimbabwe have fallen short at the final hurdle, and as a result they won’t be at the 2023 World Cup. They needed to win one of their last two matches, just as in 2018, and they failed to do it, just as in 2018.
Michael Leask played a pivotal role in Scotland’s impressive 31-run victory over Zimbabwe, setting the stage for a decisive showdown with the Netherlands for a spot in the World Cup.
Sri Lanka secured their place in the October-November World Cup in India by defeating Zimbabwe on Sunday, becoming the first of the top two teams in the Super Six table to qualify.
Zimbabwe had an opportunity to secure the second spot with a win against Scotland in Bulawayo. However, their top-order batsmen struggled, preventing them from achieving this.
Leask was the top scorer with a quick 48 off 34 balls as Scotland reached a total of 234 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. He joined forces with Mark Watt (21*) for a crucial eighth-wicket partnership of 46 runs after Scotland found themselves struggling at 170 for seven.
Although three other batsmen – Matthew Cross (38), Brandon McMullen (34), and George Munsey (31) – all made it to the 30s, they couldn’t capitalize on their starts.
Zimbabwe faced early pressure from Scottish quick Chris Sole (3 for 33), reducing them to 37 for four in the run chase. Wessly Madhevere contributed 40 runs, and the dangerous Sikandar Raza added 34, giving Zimbabwe hope.
Ryan Burl was the standout performer for the host nation, scoring 83 off 84 balls. However, his dismissal by Michael Leask, who also took a smart catch off his own bowling to dismiss Richard Ngarava, proved crucial.
Leask ended with figures of 2 for 33 off 6 overs, and Scotland knew that a victory over the Netherlands on Thursday would secure their spot in the autumn World Cup in India.
Brief Score: Scotland 234 for 8 (Leask 48, Cross 38, Williams 3-41) beat Zimbabwe 203 (Burl 83, Madhevere 40, Sole 3-33) by 31 runs.
Man of the Match: Chris Sole
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